June 27, 2025

Alderman Reilly Reports

Alderman Reilly Presents Resolution Honoring Billy Lawless Sr.

On Thursday, Alderman Reilly presented a Resolution Honoring the late Billy Lawless Sr. to his son, Billy Lawless Jr. The Resolution (R2024-0013940) paid tribute to Billy’s prominence in Chicago’s hospitality industry with restaurants like The Gage, Acanto Restaurant, and Coda di Volpe. It also highlighted Billy’s advocacy for immigration reform, both nationally and in Chicago.

Alderman Reilly secured City Council approval by a unanimous vote at the December session to honor Billy’s legacy with this resolution. It was the Alderman’s honor to present a printed copy to Billy’s son this week.

NASCAR Chicago Street Race Traffic Plan

The NASCAR Chicago Street Race returns to Grant Park next weekend on July 5-6. Based on lessons learned from the last two years, the City of Chicago and NASCAR have worked to significantly reduce the overall build time and minimize traffic disruptions in and around Grant Park. Additionally, all race vehicles will use mufflers to reduce noise levels for nearby residents by up to 10 decibels.

Shorter Park Build: Total set-up and break-down in Grant Park is down to 25 days (from 43 in 2023), and the first race-related activity won’t begin until June 19—10 days later than last year’s load-in.

Fewer Street Closures: Street closures and traffic impacts are limited to 18 days this year—seven fewer than the 2023 race. As always, pedestrian access and alternate routes will be maintained. Please click here for the full Traffic and Street Closure Plan from installation to teardown of the NASCAR structures in Grant Park.

Park Access Preserved: Over half of Grant Park will remain open during the build, race weekend, and breakdown. Maggie Daley Park, Cancer Survivor’s Garden, and the Museum Campus will stay fully accessible.

Free Events: NASCAR will host free, family-friendly festival activities in Butler Field during race week.

For maps, closure dates, parking restrictions, and event details, visit nascarchicago.com. See below for the event map, which includes information about free, non-ticketed spaces for attendees.

Halsted Avenue and Chicago Avenue Bridge Construction Project

The Department of Transportation (CDOT) recently announced plans for construction on the Halsted Avenue viaduct and the Chicago Avenue viaduct and bridge. Work on Halsted Avenue is expected to begin around August 1, and work on the Chicago Avenue bridge is expected to begin as soon as September 1. CDOT has proposed a work schedule of 7am-3:30pm on weekdays.

The construction will result in a full vehicular and pedestrian closure on the Chicago Avenue bridge. CDOT will implement detours for pedestrians, vehicles, and CTA buses during the entirety of construction. Work on Halsted Avenue is expected to be completed by the end of Summer 2026, and construction on the Chicago Avenue bridge is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

CDOT does not expect any overnight work, but the project may include weekend work on Saturdays with the regular timing. Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates on this construction project. To watch a recorded meeting of CDOT’s presentation of this project, please click here.

Alderman Reilly's Office Closed on July 4th in Observance of Independence Day

Alderman Reilly’s 42nd Ward Office will be closed on Friday, July 4 to observe Independence Day in accordance with the City of Chicago holiday schedule. Chicago Public Libraries and other government offices will be closed on July 4.

If you require city services, please call 311 for non-emergency requests, or dial 911 if you require immediate assistance.

CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org)

Beat 1824 CAPS meeting will be held on July 17th at 6pm at 1201 N Clark St
Beat 1831 CAPS meeting will be held on July 22nd at 5pm at 510 N LaSalle Dr
Beat 1832 CAPS meeting will be held on July 22nd at 6pm at 510 N LaSalle Dr
Beat 1833 CAPS meeting will be held on July 24th at 5pm at 303 E Superior St
Beat 1834 CAPS meeting will be held on July 24th at 6pm at 303 E Superior St

1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS.001District@chicagopolice.org)

Beat 111 CAPS meeting will be held on July 9th at 5:30pm at 100 S State
Beat 121 CAPS meeting will be held on July 16th at 5:30pm at 26 S Clinton

To find your appropriate beat to attend your CAPS meeting, please click here.

Chicago Moves Electric Framework

Public Meetings

The Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced the next phase of its plan to expand EV access and e-mobility charging in its effort to reduce emissions in Chicago. All residents are invited to participate in the public meeting listed below to give feedback on the program's implementation.

Tuesday, July 1, 2025 [Virtual]

Time: 6:00 - 8 p.m.
After you RSVP using the link below, you will receive the Zoom link.
Registration: EVFrameworkPublicMeeting_Virtual.eventbrite.com

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Filming:

430 N Michigan Ave

On Sunday 6/29 & Monday 6/30, a feature film produced by 2X Blind Partners, Inc will be filming interior scenes at 430 N Michigan Ave, and exterior scenes on Lower Wabash. During filming, prep and wrap, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:

Saturday, 6/28 at 8PM to Monday, 6/30 at 11PM
Both sides of Middle South Water from Michigan to Middle Stetson
Both sides of Middle Stetson from Midde South Water to Middle Lake
Sunday, 6/29 at 10AM to Monday, 6/30 at 11PM
East side of Lower Michigan from Hubbard to Illinois
North side of Hubbard from Wabash to Lower Michigan
East side of Rush from Illinois to North Water
Monday, 6/30 from 10AM to 11PM
Both sides of Lower Wabash from Illinois to Hubbard

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patrick Muldoon (Location Manager) at 872-272-6636 or Kirby Muldoon (On-Site Coordinator) at 708-837-1642.

Road Construction and Closure - S Canal St

CDOT will be doing construction work on S Canal St, from Van Buren to Jackson between Friday, June 27 and Tuesday, July 1. During the project, a full closure of this portion of S Canal St will be in effect. CDOT will implement a detour to reroute vehicles westbound on Van Buren, northbound on Jefferson St, and eastbound on Monroe St to reach S Canal St.

Street Resurfacing - Wabash Ave from Wacker Dr to Balbo Dr

Starting July 7, street resurfacing work will begin on Wabash Avenue from Wacker Drive to East Balbo Drive. The work is a part of the Chicago Department of Transportation's Arterial Street Resurfacing Project.

The work will include ADA sidewalk improvements, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling and paving the existing asphalt, and striping improvements. During construction, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed. These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions.

Work is estimated to be completed by October 31, 2025.

Ohio Street I-90/94 Feeder Ramp Resurfacing

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will be performing resurfacing work on the outbound lanes of the Ohio Street feeder ramp. Only two lanes will be closed at a time. The project is estimated to be in progress until late 2025.

676 North Michigan Avenue Façade Project

Redmond Construction was hired to complete a façade project at 676 North Michigan Avenue. Currently, the following closures are in-place:

Sidewalk on the south side of Huron, from Michigan Avenue to a point 150' west thereof
Curb lane on the south side of Huron, from Michigan Avenue to a point 150' west thereof is being used as a pedestrian walkway
Partial sidewalk closure the west side of Michigan, from Huron to a point 100' south thereof

This project is expected to be completed by fall 2025.

State Street Bridge Project

On Monday, April 28, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began emergency structural repairs to the State Street Bridge. Throughout the project, the bridge will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. State Street will remain open on both sides of the bridge during construction, and vehicles crossing the river will be rerouted to Clark Street and Dearborn Street.

The project is expected to be completed at the beginning of December 2025.

River North Lighting Project

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has completed new light pole installation in the area bounded by Chicago, Ontario, Orleans, and the river. CDOT continues to restore infrastructure trenching.

Pin & Link Project on Randolph and Columbus

CDOT crews are scheduled to perform steel work and bridge expansion joint rehab along Randolph Street, Columbus Drive, and Stetson Avenue. Please see details below:

General Construction Schedule:

7:00am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday; with the occasional extension to 5:30pm as needed.

Scope of Work and Access Impacts During Construction:

In general, one lane of travel will be open at all times along each roadway, level, and direction. Access along sidewalks will remain open with detours around the work areas.

This project is expected to be completed at the end of June 2025. Asphalt restoration will occur in July 2025.

Bally's Casino Caisson Pours

Caisson pours are nearing completion and will be followed by foundation and utility work
Total number of Casino and Hotel caissons: 356
Total Casino Piles: 202

Work hours will continue to be 8am-8pm. However, if an issue arises during a pour, there is the potential that crews will work past 8pm. Once a caisson pour begins, it cannot stop until it is finished.