December 11, 2020
Alderman Reilly Reports
COVID-19 Update: City of Chicago Vaccination Distribution Plan
The City of Chicago announced distribution plans for the COVID-19 vaccine, when it becomes available, with a commitment to allocate initial doses to all 34 hospitals in the city. The City’s plan ensures the individuals and communities most impacted by the pandemic are prioritized in the weeks and months to come.  

The first vaccines could be allocated next week in Chicago, pending final approval from federal regulators. Based on guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), healthcare workers who treat COVID patients or conduct procedures that put them at high risk for COVID-19 spread will be the first to receive it.  

Within the first few weeks following the receipt of the vaccine, CDPH plans to open vaccination clinics for other healthcare workers, which will be by appointment only. There are about 400,000 health workers in Chicago, including doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff.  

Following frontline healthcare workers, priority will be given to:  

  • residents and staff at long-term care facilities,  
  • workers in essential and critical industries including emergency services personnel,  
  • people at high risk for severe COVID-19 illness due to underlying medical conditions,  
  • and people ages 65 years and older.  

CDPH expects to receive 23,000 doses in the initial batch and additional doses of the vaccine every subsequent week. Timeline estimates will change as more safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials is available and other types of vaccine are made available.  
The goal is for all Chicago adults to be able to get vaccinated in 2021 at no cost to any individual. As more vaccine is available, several thousand vaccination providers will be ready, including doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers. CDPH has regular meetings with healthcare providers, community-based organizations and other partners, and has increased vaccine storage capacity and acquired vaccine supplies. The department has identified vaccine clinic locations and leveraged its flu campaign this year to test this out.    

The first COVID-19 vaccines will require two shots – the first shot starts building protection, but everyone will have to receive the second shot to receive maximum protection from the vaccine. mRNA vaccines will be some of the first COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use. mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19, so they cannot give someone COVID-19.  

While vaccine development has been fast, no steps have been skipped during the clinical trial process, and safety is, and will remain, a top priority. CDPH is assembling its own scientific advisory committee of local experts to review the FDA process and provide guidance throughout the process in the coming year. 

The City has developed a new website with more information about the vaccination plan, frequently asked questions, and the latest vaccine updates. Residents are also encouraged to learn more on the CDC’s website.
Important Announcements and Updates
New 42nd Ward Development Proposal
Last week, Alderman Reilly announced two new development proposals, located at 525 South Wabash Avenue and 640 West Washington Boulevard, the details of both can be read here. In addition to these new projects, Alderman Reilly would like to share information about an additional development proposal in the 42nd Ward.  

550 West Randolph Street

550 West Randolph is an office renovation and addition project that developer W.P. Carey proposes to salvage a turn-of-the-century brick and heavy timber warehouse into a bold and contemporary office building at the corner of Randolph and Clinton. This location, at the gateway to Fulton Market, is well-served by transit and just steps from both the CTA Green and Pink Lines as well as the Ogilvie Transportation Center, serving Metra commuter rail. 
Built in 1909, the timber-framed masonry warehouse was originally built as a central distribution center for McKesson & Robbins, a wholesale apothecary, elixir and drug distributor. The development proposal reinvigorates the historic building, restoring the original façade and creating a contemporary addition with highly tailored details both inside and out. The facade restoration will also create an engaging retail and streetscape experience. The contemporary addition, designed by Gensler, expands the building footprint to provide even greater open and flexible workspace throughout.  

This 227,500 square foot building represents the future of office space in Chicago with large, efficient and flexible floor plates nearing 39,500 feet each, LEED Gold sustainable design features and sought-after amenities to help tenants attract and retain the best talent.  

The salvaged heavy timber structure and metal strapping is exposed throughout the interior, celebrating the heritage of the original warehouse. Further, sophisticated finishes of walnut, brass, and leather give the building’s refined public spaces a historic resonance. Details of the interior recall the ornate and colored apothecary glassware once filled on site, while plant choices reinforce the story of health and wellness through botanical species used in early medicine. 

The developers are not seeking any zoning relief, and plan to develop the site under the existing zoning rights which govern their property. As an as-of-right development, this project does not require Alderman Reilly's approval. 

As part of Alderman Reilly's transparent community process for new developments, your comments and observations are welcome for this project. Please forward any feedback to: development@ward42chicago.com.  
Update on Proposal to Rename Lake Shore Drive as "Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Drive”
Today, the Committee on Transportation and Public Way held a subject matter hearing on 17th Ward Alderman David Moore’s proposal to rename Outer Lake Shore Drive, from Hollywood Boulevard to South 71st Street, to Jean Baptiste Point du Sable Drive.  

Alderman Moore has modified this proposal to exclude addresses on Inner Lake Shore Drive; this ordinance would only impact a few addresses on Outer Lake Shore Drive. No vote was taken at today's hearing, however Chairman Brookins has indicated the Transportation Committee will vote on this proposal by April, 2021.  

Please note, Alderman Reilly is strenuously opposed to any efforts to change the name of Inner Lake Shore Drive.  

Ten years ago, Alderman Reilly renamed the Michigan Avenue Bridge to ‘Du Sable Bridge’ to honor the first non-native settler of Chicago. Additionally, earlier this year, Alderman Reilly approved the new 400 North Lake Shore Drive development, which included a $10 million commitment to design and construct Du Sable Park. The project, located near where du Sable first established his settlement in Chicago, will include 4.5 acres of public, open green space and the completion of ‘Founder’s Way’.  

Alderman Reilly looks forward to working with his colleagues on the City Council to identify a location to rename in honor Chicago's first non-native settler, Jean Baptiste Point du Sable. 
Attention Business Owners: Apply Now for the Illinois Business Interruption Grant
The Illinois Business Interruption Grant (BIG) program, offered by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), provides economic relief for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. All interested small businesses should apply as soon as possible - the application period for the BIG program will close at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. 

The State of Illinois anticipates that it will award the remainder of the $270 million in funds through this program in the coming weeks. DCEO will continue to follow the funding priorities outlined under the program including reaching heavily impacted industries, businesses located in a disproportionately impacted areas (DIAs) and downstate communities, and small businesses with annual revenues of $5 million or less and/or businesses that have not received other forms of emergency assistance like PPP. 

BIG was created in response to the unprecedented burdens COVID-19 has placed on small businesses around the state. BIG grants, leveraging federal CARES Act dollars, provide grants tailored to business losses, with amounts ranging between $5,000-$150,000. The average grant provided to date is $25,000. Grant funds may be used toward operational expenses, including PPE, rent and utilities, payroll, and more. 

For more information on BIG eligibility, how to receive assistance with submitting your application, and to apply, please visit DCEO’s program website. 
Alderman Reilly Encourages Residents to Shop (and Eat) Local this Holiday Season!
As the holiday season gets underway, Alderman Reilly would like to encourage everyone to eat and shop local! Local businesses have been hit hard by reduced foot traffic downtown due to the pandemic. There are countless independent, local shops and restaurants in the 42nd Ward that need your support.  

To encourage all Chicagoans with the capacity to support our beloved hospitality industry, the City is launching the Take Out Chicago contest. Through this program, launched with the support of Choose Chicago, residents that order takeout from ten unique bars and restaurants through December 15 will be entered into a contest to win a VIP experience at one of Chicago’s premier cultural institutions. Chicagoans can learn more and submit their entry here.  

Recipients will be selected via lottery to win VIP tours for themselves and three family members at a select Chicago destination, including the Art Institute, DuSable Museum, Lincoln Park Zoo, Soldier Field and more. Residents participating in the contest should also post their orders using the hashtag #takeoutchicago. 

Alderman Reilly encourages residents to keep their spending local this holiday season, and support local Chicago businesses. 
IDOT Update: Multiple Ramps Reopen at Jane Byrne Interchange
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that four reconstructed ramps will open at the Jane Byrne Interchange on Tuesday, Dec. 15, weather permitting. The completion of the ramps marks a major milestone as all 11 ramps have been completely reconstructed or are currently under construction.

By 5 a.m. Tuesday the following ramps will reopen:

  • Canal Street entrance ramp to outbound Ida B. Wells Drive
  • Inbound Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) ramp to Taylor Street
  • The exit ramp was relocated to just north of Adams Street and reconfigured to reduce conflict from inbound lanes.
  • Inbound Kennedy ramp to inbound Ida B. Wells
  • The exit ramp was reconfigured to reduce conflict from southbound lanes.
  • Outbound Ida B. Wells ramp to outbound Dan Ryan Expressway (Interstate 90/94)
  • The entrance ramp was reconfigured, and access was moved to the right lane. While ramp construction is completed, a temporary detour will bypass ongoing construction along the outbound Ryan. A signed detour will direct Wells to Ryan ramp traffic to continue to Union Street, through two traffic signals at Taylor Street and Roosevelt Road, to connect to the outbound Ryan via the Roosevelt Road ramp.
  • Motorists should be aware of the change and anticipate some delays the first few days of the configuration.

To prepare for this next stage of the project, lane closures on the inbound Kennedy between Ohio Street and Van Buren Street are scheduled, weather permitting, Monday, Dec. 14, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday, Dec.15, to install overhead signage and pavement markings. In addition, the inbound Kennedy ramp to the outbound Eisenhower will also be closed Monday from 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m. Tuesday.

As of this month, 27 of the 35 project components have been completed. When the project reaches its anticipated 2022 completion date, the improved conditions, increased safety and enhanced traveling experience will be clear to all who use the national transportation hub known as the Jane Byrne Interchange. For more information about this project, please click here.
OEMC Lakeshore Flood Advisory for This Weekend
The National Weather Service has issued a Lakeshore Flood Advisory which is in effect as of midnight, Saturday, December 12th until 6 a.m. on Sunday, December 13th. A Lakeshore Flood Advisory means that large, 6-8 ft waves combined with high lake levels will lead to minor flooding along the lakeshore. 

Residents are urged to use caution and avoid areas where the water meets the pavement. Residents on or near the shoreline should be alert for rising water and take appropriate actions to protect themselves and their property.

The Department of Streets & Sanitation, the Department of Water Management, the Chicago Department of Transportation, the Chicago Park District, and the Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC) are actively monitoring conditions.

Severe cold temperatures, strong winds and snow can cause additional hazards, whether home or traveling, so it’s important to stay informed. OEMC issues several alerts and notifications to keep people up to date on weather conditions and emergencies.

  • Notify Chicago: Sign up for emergency alerts at www.NotifyChicago.org
  • CHILAKE: For lakefront notices including flooding, text “CHILAKE” to 7-8-0-1-5
  • COVID: Get COVID-19 updates by texting “COVID19” to 6-7-2-8-3
  • CHIBIZ: Business updates, text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3

First Installment of Cook County Property Tax Bills Now Online
Earlier this week the Cook County Treasurer's office announced next year’s First Installment of Cook County property tax bills are now available online. The First Installment Tax Year 2020, which is 55 percent of the previous year's total tax, is due March 2, 2021. However, the Cook County Board has waived late charges through May 3, 2021.

You can download your tax bill or make a payment by going online and following these steps:

  • Select the blue box labeled "Pay Online for Free"
  • Enter your address or 14-digit Property Index Number (PIN)
  • There is no fee if you pay from your bank account

The Treasurer’s Office accepts partial payments. However, all First Installment Tax Year 2020 taxes must be paid by May 3, 2021, to avoid a late charge of 1.5 percent per month mandated by Illinois law. For more information, please visit cookcountytreasurer.com.
Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2020
Chicago Public Library (CPL) recommends the Best of the Best, their selections of the very best books published in 2020. Every year, CPL librarians evaluate the year’s new books and select the very best for Chicagoans—making these the only booklists for Chicago, by Chicago.

Click here for best of 2020 booklists for adults, teens and kids. Happy reading!
Chicago Park District Winter Programming
Winter registration is right around the corner! You can now browse their program offerings and start registering next week. Whether you choose to workout, learn how to craft, or master a new sport, there is something for all ages!

If state and city guidelines at the time allow, in-person programs will run in accordance, limiting the number of guests that can be programmed for at each park. For those not interested in in-person classes, the online programs provide an opportunity to stay active, both mentally and physically, while socializing with others, from the comfort and safety of your own home. 

The session runs from January 4 - March 20, 2021. Please note, the start date for in-person winter offerings is subject to change based upon state guidelines. For more information, please click here.
42nd Ward Mask Distribution
Alderman Reilly will be distributing masks again this Fall. Similar to earlier this year, these masks will be prioritized for 42nd Ward residents who belong to a vulnerable population (including seniors 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions that put them at higher risk) and essential personnel. However, all residents are welcome to request a mask.  

If you or a member of your immediate household falls into one of these categories, please complete this form and we will do our best to provide you with a mask. If you have previously requested a mask from our office, you may request additional masks.  

Please note, these masks are for 42nd Ward residents only, if you reside outside of the 42nd Ward, please contact your local Alderman directly.  
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
Celebrate (Virtually) This Holiday Season!
Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is pleased to present a virtual holiday celebration, "Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Holidays"!

“Millennium Park at Home: Chicago Holidays” program is produced by Kurtis Productions with support from the Millennium Park Foundation and DCASE. It includes a holiday greeting from Mayor Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, special acknowledgements of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, and music performances recorded at the Epiphany Center for the Arts featuring the Chicago Children’s Choir, Sones de México Ensemble and Percy Bady and friends – with a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” 

Residents can also visit Millennium Park to see the City of Chicago Christmas Tree shining brightly near the intersection of Michigan Ave. and Washington St. from now through January 7. The Park is open daily, 8:00am to 9:00pm, for groups of 10 persons or fewer who practice physical distancing and wear face coverings. For information about where to enter/exit the Park and other details, visit MillenniumPark.org. 
Live from the Library!
Weekdays at 10:00am
Watch story times with Chicagoans you know and love at Live from the Library! See a new reader at 10 a.m. every weekday, or browse past story times on Facebook Live. Guest readers include Mayor Lori Lightfoot, the Obamas, Oprah Winfrey and Jeff Tweedy, as well as Chicago Public Library (CPL) children's librarians.

Individuals can watch past and live videos each weekday on CPL's Facebook page.
Empty the Shelters: Holiday Hope Event
December 9-13, 2020
During the Empty the Shelters: Holiday Hope event, adoption fees are waived thanks to the BISSELL Pet Foundation. Adoptions will be free for animals with approved applications or going home between December 9-13. 

Animals available for adoption can be viewed here and note, all adoptions are appointment only. Completed applications should be emailed to visitcacc@gmail.com. Please allow five businesses days to hear back from Chicago Animal Care and Control. For more information, please click here.
Chicago Police Department 18th District Community Drives
Holiday Toy Drive
The 18th District is hosting its 30th Annual Toy Drive this Christmas season! They are accepting new, unwrapped toys until December 12, 2020.

Donations can be dropped off at the 18th District Station, located at 1160 N. Larrabee Street.

For more information or questions, please call the 18th District CAPS Office at (312) 742-5778.
School Supply Drive
The 18th District is collecting school supplies for students learning at home this year. Accepted items include:

  • Pens and Pencils
  • Erasers
  • Glue Sticks
  • Highlighters
  • Art Supplies
  • Notebooks
  • Calculators
  • Rulers and Protractors
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Binders

Donations will be accepted until December 31, 2020 and be dropped off at the 18th District Station at 1160 N. Larrabee Street. For more information or questions, please call the 18th District CAPS Office at (312) 742- 5778.
42nd Ward CAPS Meetings
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues.

There are no beat meetings for the week of December 7, 2020.

Please make sure to confirm the details for upcoming meetings with your Police District's CAPS office. 

1st District: 312-745-4290
12th District: 312-746-8396
18th District: 312-742-5870

To find your district and beat, please click here.
42nd Ward Street Closures and Construction Notices
Lake Shore Drive Intermittent Lane Closure

Starting, Tuesday, December 8, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) will be conducting repairs on northbound Lake Shore Drive over the Chicago River. Work will occur weekdays from 9am-4pm. While work is occurring, there will be intermittent northbound lane closures. One northbound lane will be open at all times.

This project is anticipated to be completed on Friday, December 18 (weather dependent). 

Crane Lift: 100 North Wacker Drive

On Saturday, December 12, from 9am-3pm, there will be a crane lift at 100 North Wacker Drive. During the lift, the following will be closed:

  • 100’ of the sidewalk in front of 100 North Wacker Drive
  • 100’ of the curb lane in front of 100 North Wacker Drive
  • 100’ of two traffic lanes in front of 100 North Wacker Drive

There will be barricades and flaggers in place throughout the lift. 

IJKL Hoist Jump

Lendlease Construction will also be jumping (increasing the height to) its cranes and hoists on the following days:

  • Building KL crane jump: Saturday December 12th - Sunday December 13th and Saturday December 19th - Sunday December 20th 

For safety, no other production work will occur on site during these jumps.


Chicago Fire Filming: 615 South Wabash

Chicago Fire will be filming scenes for an upcoming show at 615 South Wabash from Sunday, December 13 to Tuesday, December 15. On Monday, December 14, Wabash Avenue, from Harrison Street to Balbo Drive will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic from 7am-4pm. Parking will be prohibited at the following locations to park essential vehicles and equipment:

  • East side of Wabash, from Balbo to Harrison (December 13, from 7am-5pm)
  • Both sides of Harrison, from Michigan to State (December 14, from 3am-4pm)  
  • Both sides of Balbo, from Michigan to State  (December 14, from 3am-4pm)  
  • East side of State, from Balbo to Harrison (December 14, from 3am-4pm)  
  • Both sides of Wabash, from Balbo to Harrison (December 14, from 3am-4pm)
  • East side of Wabash, from Balbo to Harrison (December 15, from 7am -5pm)
  • East side of Columbus, from 8th Street to Balbo Drive (December 14, from 3am-4pm)
  • South side of Balbo Drive, from Columbus Drive to Lake Shore Drive (December 14, from 3am-4pm)

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Will Higgins (location manager) at 773-525-2326 or Antonio O (on-site coordinator) at 773-938-3358.

Photo Shoot: 300 South Wells Street

On Tuesday, December 15, North Six will be shooting photos for an ad at 300 S. Wells Street. Parking will be restricted on December 15, from 11am-6pm at the following location:

  • West side of S Wells, from West Jackson to West Van Buren

Helicopter Lift: 111 West Washington Street

On Saturday, December 19, there will be a helicopter lift at 111 West Washington Street. The lift will take 30 minutes to complete. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • North Clark Street, from West Randolph Street to West Madison Street
  • West Washington Street, from North LaSalle Street to North Dearborn Street

There will be barricades and police officers in place throughout the lift. 

Helicopter Lift: 224 South Michigan Avenue

On Sunday, December 20, there will be a helicopter lift at 224 South Michigan Avenue. The lift will take 30 minutes to complete. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • Michigan Avenue, from Van Buren Street to Adams Street
  • Jackson Boulevard, from Wabash Avenue to Columbus Drive

There will be barricades and police officers in place throughout the lift. 

Brown Line Elevated Track Repairs

Starting Friday, January 1, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will be performing maintenance on the Brown Line Elevated Track over North Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue. Work will occur from 8am-3:30pm during the weekdays and from 8am-7pm on the weekends. 

Throughout the project, the following will be closed intermittently:

  • Curb lanes and parking 
  • Franklin Street, between Hubbard Street and Grand Avenue
  • Alley access 
  • Sidewalks 

All work is expected to be completed at the end of March 2021 (weather dependent). 

St. Regis Chicago Construction (formally Vista Tower) Update and Traffic Impact

North Field Boulevard
  • North Field Boulevard, between East South Water Street and East Lower Wacker Drive has been reopened to vehicular and pedestrian traffic. 

Lower Wacker Drive
  • McHugh Construction is repaving Lower Wacker Drive, between North Columbus Drive and North Stetson Avenue. Work is expected to be completed by Friday, December 11.

Upper Wacker Drive (within Project Scope)
  • McHugh Construction is tentatively scheduled to return Upper Level of Wacker Drive in front of St. Regis Chicago to the City of Chicago at the end of February 2021. 

No-Left-Turn Configuration
  • The current no-left-turn configuration at Upper Wacker Drive and North Columbus Drive is expected to remain in place until February 2021. 
 
For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager, Joe Kuna at jkuna@mchughconstruction.com.

Helicopter Lift: 208 South LaSalle Street

Midwest Helicopter was hired to lift HVAC equipment onto the roof of 208 South LaSalle Street on Saturday, December 19, from 9am-11pm. During the lift, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:

  • West Adams Street, from South Franklin Street to South LaSalle Street
  • South Wells Street, from West Qunicy Street to West Marble Place
  • West Quincy Street, from South LaSalle Street to South Wells Street

There will be barricades and police officers onsite during the lift. 

Chicago Fire Filming in the Loop

Chicago Fire will be filming a car crash scene at the intersection of Clinton/Fulton/Milwaukee on Sunday, December 13, from 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The following streets will be closed during the filming:

  • West Fulton, from North Desplaines to North Canal 
  • North Clinton, from West Lake to 310 N. Clinton
  • North Milwaukee, from North Canal to West Fulton
  • North Jefferson, from West Lake to West Fulton

Parking will be restricted from Saturday, December 12, at 9pm to Sunday November 13, at 6pm at the following locations:

  • Both sides of North Clinton, from West Lake to 320 North Clinton
  • Both sides of West Fulton, from North Canal to North Jefferson
  • Both sides of North Jefferson, from West Lake to 217 North Jefferson
  • Both sides of North Canal, from West Lake to West Fulton
  • North side of West Lake, from North Clinton to North Jefferson

If you have any questions, concerns or special needs, please contact Luis Perez (Location Manager) at 773-525-2326 or Antonio O (On-Site Coordinator) at 773-938-3358.

IJKL Utility Tie-ins: Lower Harbor Service Drive

Lendlease Construction is continuing its completion of IJKL’s utility tie-ins for People’s Gas, ComEd, Sewer, and Water Service on Lower Harbor Service Drive. This work is forecasted to be completed on Friday, January 8, 2021. Temporary street closures on Lower Harbor Service Drive are not expected. If a temporary street closure is needed, a flagger will be present to direct traffic.
 
Work is dependent on weather and subject to delays enacted by the utility companies.

Van Buren Bridge Structural Repairs

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is performing structural repairs on the Van Buren Street Bridge over the Chicago River. Work will occur from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., daily. 

While work is occurring, there will be a single curb lane closure. Work is expected to be finished by Thursday, December 31 (weather dependent). 

Navy Pier CTA Bus Stop Changes

Due to the installation of Electric Bus charging units at Navy Pier, the following bus stop changes will take place on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 9:00 am
 
Navy Pier Terminal (west bay, north position)—Permanent bus stop relocation
  • Stop ID Number: 14161
  • Route Stopping: #65 – Grand
 
Navy Pier Terminal (west bay, south position)—Permanent bus stop relocation
  • Stop ID Number: 758
  • Route Stopping: #29 – State
 
Navy Pier Terminal (east bay, north position)—Permanent bus stop elimination (Combined into one bus stop, see East Bay, south position reference)
  • Stop ID Number: 14160
  • Route Stopping: n/a
 
Navy Pier Terminal (east bay, south position)—Permanent bus stop relocation
  • Stop ID Number: 14162
  • Route Stopping: #66 – Chicago, #124 – Navy Pier
 
Grand Avenue at Park Drive (westbound, farside)—Permanent new bus stop
  • Stop ID Number: TBD
  • Route Stopping: #2 – Hyde Park Express

61 West Erie Street Construction

On Monday, November 2, LG Construction will begin construction of a five-story, 28 unit apartment building at 61 West Erie Street. Please find LG Construction’s phase one construction timeline below. 

  1. Starting November 16, LG Construction will be pouring caissons. It will take roughly 9 days to finish pouring the 12 caissons required for this project. LG Construction will be radioing concrete trucks on and off the site. 
  2. Starting Monday, November 30, foundation work will begin. This portion of the project is expected to last three weeks (weather dependent). 

Throughout the construction process, the following will be closed to vehicular and pedestrian traffic:
  • 100' of sidewalk and curb lane in front of 61 W Erie Street
  • The alley adjacent to the west side of 61 West Erie Street

There will be detour signs, barricades, and flaggers in place for the duration of the project.

IJKL Construction Update

Starting Monday, November 2, Lendlease will be installing structural geofoam at the IJKL site. Geofoam is a highly compressed thermoplastic that is used to fill-in the space between the top of the concrete deck and the soil. 

The geofoam will be cut and trimmed onsite to fit a specific design plan. Cutting and trimming the geofoam might result in some debris being blown off the site. Lendlease will make every effort to contain this and clean the area surrounding its site.

The geofoam installation is expected to be finished at the beginning of December. 

CTA Bus Stop Change in the Loop

Due to electrical vault construction, starting Monday, October 13, the following bus stop will be relocated until Monday, November 23 (or until completion of work):

  • Clark at Adams (southbound, far side to nearside)- temporary bus stop relocation
  • Stop ID Number: 1869 to TBD
  • Routes Stopping: #22 – Clark, #24 – Wentworth

Façade Work: 160 North LaSalle Street

Starting at the end of October, Bowa Construction will be performing façade and cladding work at 160 North LaSalle Street. During the work, there will be scaffolding on the east, north, and south sides of the building. 

All work is expected to be completed in June 2021.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown

From now until December 31, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets during the weekend:  

  • Both sides of Oak, between Michigan and Clark 
  • South side of Oak, between LaSalle and Wells 
  • Both sides of Chicago, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Ohio, between Michigan and Wells 
  • Both sides of Hubbard, between Michigan and Wells 
  • North side of Illinois, between Dearborn and Clark 
  • Both sides of Illinois, between Wabash and Dearborn 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Grand and Ohio 
  • Both sides of Rush, between Erie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Wabash, between the Chicago River and Grand 
  • Both sides of State, between Kinzie and Oak 
  • Both sides of Erie, from Rush to Wells 
  • Both sides of Huron from Rush to Wabash 
  • Both sides of New Street, from Illinois to North Water
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Monroe to Balbo 
  • North side of Wacker Drive Wabash to Michigan
  • North side of Wacker Drive, from Franklin to Columbus 
  • Both sides of Wacker Drive, from State to Wabash 
  • Both sides of Stetson, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Columbus Drive, from Randolph to Wacker 
  • Both sides of Beaubien Court, from Randolph to Lake 
  • Both sides of Randolph, from Harbor to Michigan 
  • Both sides of Ohio, from Michigan to Fairbanks
  • Both sides of Erie, between Kingsbury and Larrabee
  • Both sides of Larrabee, from Erie to Huron

Chicago Police Department Commander Jill Stevens (18th District) and Commander Jacob Alderden (1st District) have ordered this temporary overnight parking ban to encourage restaurant and bar patrons to return home after dining out.  

As always, please make sure to read all posted signage before parking your vehicle downtown. 

Jane Byrne Interchange Closures and Detours

Northbound I-90/94 Mainline Improvements Begin This Week

As of October 1, all traffic lanes were shifted left on northbound I-90/94 approaching Roosevelt Road. The far right lane will provide access to the flyover ramp connection northbound I-90/94 to westbound I-290. This ramp will remain reduced to one lane between Roosevelt Road and Taylor Street until late December 2020.

Overnight lane closures will be required to facilitate these improvements. On Thursday and Monday nights, closures will start at 10:00pm, with occasional full stops for no longer than 15 minutes at a time beginning at 1:00am. All lanes will reopen by 5:00am Friday and Tuesday mornings.

Furthermore, the northbound Roosevelt Road entrance ramp to I-290 closed on October 1. The detour for motorists is below:

  • Westbound I-290: head west on Roosevelt to Ashland, north on Ashland to access the Ashland entrance to westbound I-290.
  • Eastbound I-290: head east on Roosevelt to State, north on State to Ida B. Wells Drive.

Taylor Street Reopened

Taylor Street reopened to traffic on Thursday, September 17, between Halsted and DesPlaines Street. Taylor Street closed in June and was used as part of the eastbound I-290 to northbound I-90/94 detour route while the east-to-north ramp was being reconstructed.

New features to improve safety, increase visibility, and decrease decision point and conflict from opposing lanes have been made.

On Tuesday, October 6, the Taylor Street entrance ramp to northbound I-90/94 will open.

Adams Street Bridge

The Adams Street bridge is closed from Halsted Street to Desplaines Street. The bridge will be demolished and rebuilt, anticipated to reopen in the Fall of 2022. The Adams Street entrance and exit ramps to I-90/94 will also close with traffic entering the interstate via Madison Street and traffic exiting the interstate via Monroe Street. 

Detour routes for pedestrians and drivers are below: 

  • Vehicular Traffic will be directed south on Desplaines, west on Van Buren, and north on Halsted and then can continue west on Adams. 
  • Pedestrians should use the Monroe Street bridge as a detour route. 

The Adams Street bridge marks the final major bridge closure at the Jane Byrne Interchange for the 2020 construction season. The new bridge will have two westbound lanes and wider sidewalks on both sides of the street, enhancing connections and improving safety for all transportation users in the surrounding neighborhoods. 

Madison Street Exit Ramp Closure

The northbound Madison Street exit ramp will close on Tuesday, October 6 until summer 2021. The detour route for drivers is below:
  • Continue north on I-90/94 to the Washington exit ramp, head east on Washington and south on Desplaines to Madison

For more information about the Jane Byrne Interchange project, please visit janebyrneinterchange.org.

One Chicago Square-1 W Chicago Pedestrian and Traffic Impacts

Although fencing is already in place for the sidewalk closure, pedestrians still have access to the sidewalk, but should exercise caution when walking by the construction site. 
 
The Curb Lanes along Chicago, State, Superior, and Dearborn will remain a No Parking/Tow Zone throughout the project, to allow for demolition, and then the protected pedestrian walkway.

The sidewalk along the east side of Dearborn, from Superior to Chicago, has been closed to pedestrian traffic. Pedestrians will be rerouted to the west side of Dearborn. 
 
Please stay tuned to Reilly Reports as additional construction updates and closures will be announced.