Monday March 31, 2025

KENNEDY EXPRESSWAY BRIDGE REHABILITATION PROJECT 

CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that the rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) from the Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street continued to progress the week of March 24. The following are highlights completed during the week: 

Week of March 24  

• Various concrete repairs performed on bridge piers and concrete beams. 
• Bridge deck hydro-scarification (high-pressure water jets to remove the top layer of concrete). ​ 
• Surface milling of bridge decks. ​ 
• Saw-cutting bridge expansion joints at various locations. 
• Bridge deck surface removal on structures at the south end of the project. 
• Bridge deck joint removal at various locations. ​ 

Click here for the detailed report of week 2 accomplishments and upcoming activities

2025-2026 Board Elections - Nominations Extended to

Wednesday April 2nd

It's that time of year again!

Are you ready to volunteer, share your industry expertise, advocate for our membership and support the mission of the ILLBA?

There are five (5) open board seats (including one vendor/supplier seat) for the upcoming board of directors election.

This year's Nominating Committee Coordinator is Lynn Kafkes.

Qualifications per the ILLBA Bylaws:

• ILLBA member (operator or vendor) in good standing for two (2) consecutive years prior to election  (for exception consideration, please contact Lynn Kafkes, Nominating Committee Chair)

• Timely payment of dues prior to submission of the Slate of Candidates by the Nominating Committee

• Terms are for two years

If you (or someone you know) has a desire and willingness to get involved and give back to the industry, please contact Lynn Kafkes for nomination details.

Deadline for nominations Wednesday April 2nd, 5pm CDT

City of Chicago Events and Traffic Restrictions

 Wrigley Field Transportation Restrictions Maps 2024 - click here

Soldier Field Transportation Bears Game Restrictions Map 2025 - click here

Transportation Restrictions for Bally's Temporary Casino 2024 - click here

Uptown Entertainment District Transportation Restrictions Eff 12/22/23 - click here

Continued Closure Of Canal St. At Union Station Phase II Updates - click here

McCormick Place Events Calendar

News You Can Use

International Travelers Warned About Visiting U.S.

March 27, 2025

The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration and recent detention of travelers at international border crossings has prompted several countries to issue travel warnings about visiting the U.S.

Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany and the United Kingdom have each separately issued U.S. travel advisories in recent weeks, focused on issues ranging from the restricted rights of transgendered people to the possibility that holders of valid visas or green cards could face interrogation and detention at the U.S. border.

Citizens of both Canada and Germany have recently been held for lengthy periods in U.S. immigration detention facilities, for example, and these traveler stories have been widely circulated on social media and in the press.

Canada’s travel advisory noted that the U.S. has begun enforcing long-neglected registration requirements for its citizens who stay in the U.S. for extended periods.

Read more

US Airlines Reduce Profit Forecast Due to Economic and Safety Concerns

A new report indicates that the impact of international tariffs and reduced government spending by United States President Donald Trump and his administration have negatively impacted the country’s aviation industry.

According to Reuters.com, fear across the travel industry regarding plane safety, weak economic growth, and high inflation have forced the top U.S. airlines to slash first-quarter profit forecasts, with the S&P 500 passenger airlines index being down about 15 percent this year.

Read more

“Everyone you’ll ever meet knows something you don’t.”

 – Bill Nye