DuSable Lake Shore Drive construction begins, prompting lane closures — what to know

Kasey Chronis

CHICAGO - An eight-week construction project on DuSable Lake Shore Drive began Monday, prompting lane closures and traffic disruptions for commuters.

The pavement repair project will be conducted in four phases, addressing both southbound and northbound lanes on a busy section of DuSable Lake Shore Drive near the Museum Campus. Lane closures for the entirety of the project will stretch between Roosevelt Road and 31st Street.

Currently, three southbound lanes will be shut down between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily. In an effort to limit disruptions during rush hour, one lane will be closed between 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. daily. This schedule will repeat until May 6.

  • From April 22 to May 6, one southbound lane will be closed overnight (4 p.m. to 9 a.m.), with three lanes closed during the day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

  • Following this, from May 6 to May 20, one northbound lane will be closed overnight (4 p.m. to 9 a.m.), and three lanes will be closed during the day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

  • Continuing, from May 20 to June 3, two southbound lanes will be closed overnight (4 p.m. to 9 a.m.), and three lanes will be closed during the day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

  • Lastly, from June 3 to June 17, two northbound lanes will be closed overnight (4 p.m. to 9 a.m.), and three lanes will be closed during the day (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Commuters, on Monday evening, told FOX 32 Chicago the project will be worth it.

"It’s a small price to pay," said Hersh Karku.

"There were some issues with Lake Shore Drive, so I’m glad they’re doing it," said Patricio Amuchastegui.

The work will coincide with some major events, like Sueños Music Festival in Grant Park, the Chicago Blues Festival in Millennium Park, and the Soldier Field 10 Mile & 10K Race.

The road work will, however, be finished just in time for the Rolling Stones to take the stage at Soldier Field in late June, along with NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race, and Lollapalooza.

"You know what they say about Chicago, there’s two seasons, there’s winter and construction, and that just holds true every summer," said Jerry Oversen, commuter.

The Chicago Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time for their commute, and consider utilizing public transportation.

The project is expected to last for a duration of eight weeks, concluding on Monday, June 17.

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