September 23, 2020
Alderman Reilly Reports
Neighborhood Notice: Potential Protests in the Downtown Area Following the Breonna Taylor Decision
City of Chicago Employing Proactive Measures to Ensure Public Safety 
The City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated in response to the news regarding the Breonna Taylor case in Louisville, KY. For safety reasons, residents are being advised about potential activity throughout the city over the next few days and to be vigilant and take necessary precautions.  

Please note that Aldermanic approval is not required for demonstrations, as the right to peaceful protest is protected by the First Amendment. 

In an abundance of caution, City agencies and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) will be relying upon its all-hands-on-deck neighborhood protection plan. There will be a heavy police presence downtown and in commercial corridors around the city. CPD will be implementing rolling street closures and other strategies to protect the area as needed.  

In the event it is needed, city resources - including 300 infrastructure assets – have been mobilized to assist CPD in maintaining control of the area through tactics such as traffic control. These resource deployments will ensure CPD has adequate coverage to protect businesses and residents. 

The OEMC will continue to monitor the situation and the City of Chicago will take proactive measures to ensure public safety throughout the city.  

Alderman Reilly encourages residents to plan ahead if you will be traveling in the area and carry a photo ID at all times. Property Managers are asked to remind door staff to keep eyes open and call the police to report unusual events. 

To receive emergency alerts for updates on street closures and public transportation, subscribe to Chicago’s text or email alert system at NotifyChicago.org or follow OEMC on Facebook and Twitter. Please visit transitchicago.com for real-time updates regarding CTA service.  
Neighborhood Notice: Traffic Changes Happening This Week
North Orleans Street Contraflow Lane to Be Installed Thursday, September 24
Alderman Reilly is very pleased to report the upcoming installation of a Contraflow Lane on North Orleans Street, which will reconfigure two blocks into a two-way thoroughfare, and will act as an important pressure valve, improving traffic circulation near Wolf Point and the Merchandise Mart.  

The Orleans Street Contraflow Lane will be installed between West Hubbard Street and Wolf Point Plaza Drive / West Merchandise Mart Drive, with work starting Tuesday evening, September 22. The new two-way configuration will be effective Thursday, September 24, at 10:30 a.m.  
 
The installation of the Contraflow Lane requires the following infrastructure changes, all of which will be funded by the developer:  

  • Traffic signal modifications at the intersection of North Orleans Street and West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive to accommodate southbound traffic on North Orleans Street, between West Hubbard Street and West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive  
  • Curb extension at the southeast corner of Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive and North Orleans Street to improve traffic lane alignment and pedestrian safety  
  • Restriping of traffic lanes to create a southbound traffic lane on North Orleans Street, between West Hubbard Street and West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive  
  • Removal of the taxicab stand on the west side of North Orleans Street at Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive  
  • Removal of the mid-block east/west crosswalk on North Orleans Street 150’ north of West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive 
  • Elimination of northbound parking on the west side North Orleans Street, between West Hubbard Street and West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive  
  • Installation of a southbound 15 Minute Standing Zone on the west side of North Orleans Street, between West Hubbard Street and West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive  

There will be signage indicating the change in traffic patterns placed on North Orleans Street at the intersections of West Hubbard Street and West Wolf Point Plaza / West Merchandise Mart Drive for two weeks after the change.  

Please note, North Orleans Street over the Chicago River will remain one-way northbound. Motorists will not be able to access West Wacker Drive from North Orleans Street. 

Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for updates regarding infrastructure improvements in the 42nd Ward!