October 30, 2020
Alderman Reilly Reports
New State of Illinois COVID-19 Mitigation Measures Now in Effect
The State of Illinois has imposed new mitigation measures in Chicago that are now in effect. The new measures imposed by the State were triggered due to a sustained increase in Chicago’s positivity rate and COVID-related hospitalizations for more than seven of the past ten days. As of today, the following measures are now in place:  

  • No indoor dining or service at bars or restaurants 
  • NOTE: Outdoor dining spaces include rooms with retractable roofs, rooftops and indoor tables that are within eight feet of a wall, provided that the wall is open at least 50%. 
  • Maximum party size and table occupancy at restaurants, bars, breweries and event venues remains at six people. 
  • When dining out at a food service establishment or bar, customers must wear face coverings while seated at all times (including when interacting with staff), except when actively eating or drinking.
  • Restaurants may continue to sell food via delivery, takeout, or curbside pickup at all hours.

  • Impact on liquor sales: 
  • Bars, restaurants and other establishments with a Tavern or Consumption on Premises-Incidental Activity license can sell alcohol on-site or to-go until 11:00 pm.
  • Liquor stores, grocery stores and other establishments with a Package Goods license must still cease alcohol sales at 9:00 pm. 

  • Meetings and events limited to 25 guests or 25% capacity, whichever is fewer (both indoors and outdoors) 
  • This capacity limit applies to events (e.g., banquet halls, weddings, birthday parties, business dinners/social events, private outdoor gatherings like a potluck). 
  • Other businesses, such as fitness clubs, personal services, retail stores, movie theaters, indoor recreation facilities and performance venues can still operate under existing guidelines, typically at 40% capacity or 50 people, whichever is fewer. 

  • Non-essential businesses must be closed to the public between the hours of 11:00pm and 6:00am 

The Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection has created an FAQ sheet to help Chicago’s businesses navigate the new restrictions. Businesses can also contact the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic at 1-800-252-2923 or ceo.support@illinois.gov for more information. 

The state has laid out three metrics that the city has to meet for these restrictions to be relaxed: 

  • The positivity rate averages less than or equal to 6.5% over a three-day period. 
  • There is a decrease in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness over a three-day period.
  • The three-day rolling averages of ICU bed availability and medical/surgical bed availability is greater than or equal to 20% over a seven-day period.

Earlier this month, Alderman Reilly introduced legislation to allow for extended hours of restaurants and bars, and co-sponsored an ordinance to extend the expiration date of business licenses. These efforts were made to provide relief to many businesses impacted by COVID-19.  

Furthermore, the Emergency Travel Order is still in effect. Travelers entering or returning to Chicago from states experiencing a surge in new COVID-19 cases to quarantine for a 14-day period from the time of last contact within the identified state. This includes both Chicago residents returning from travel to a designated state, and travelers arriving in Chicago from a designated state. The list will be updated every Tuesday and go into effect the following Friday at 12:01 a.m.  

As of today, Friday, October 30, the Order applies to the following states and territories: 

Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming 

Chicago residents are strongly advised to not travel to these states. For answers to frequently asked questions, please click here. For more information about COVID-19 in Chicago, please visit chicago.gov/coronavirus
Important Announcements and Updates
City of Chicago Agencies Announce Preparedness and Safety Plans Ahead of Election Day
Several City public safety agencies announced their 10-day preparedness and safety plan for the upcoming Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and for all of next week. Over the past month, the City’s departments and agencies have been working in conjunction with the Chicago Board of Elections to deploy resources and supports at every polling station and neighborhood to ensure residents can safely participate in this year’s election and exercise their First Amendment rights.  

As part of the 10-day safety plan, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is activating its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) today. This is a citywide effort to monitor any activity and crowds and coordinate resource requests and responses with City departments, agencies, the Chicago Board of Elections as well as county, state and federal partners.  

Over the past several weeks, OEMC has held multiple preparedness workshops with the City’s public safety and infrastructure departments, businesses, agencies and partners. These workshops provided an overview of the City’s efforts and conducted various hazard scenarios, including severe weather, COVID-19 outbreaks and possible protests stemming from not knowing who the winner of the presidential election in the days following Election Day. 

To supplement on-the-ground public safety resources, the Chicago Police Department (CPD) will increase its patrol beyond its regular deployments starting today. As part of this effort to further ensure the City can rapidly respond to all situations, CPD has cancelled days off Department-wide for Halloween and Election Day, and for select citywide teams during the week of the election.  

While the Department is focused on crimefighting prevention efforts, officers will continue to ensure residents expressing their First Amendment rights are protected and given the public safety supports they need to stay safe. Additionally, the City will deploy more than 60 infrastructure assets that will be strategically positioned by OEMC to support and protect neighborhood commercial corridors and critical businesses in the event of potential public safety incidents

To ensure residents can safely vote in-person this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has been working closely with the Chicago Board of Elections to ensure all polling locations have a COVID-19 prevention plan. These public health plans provide every polling location with cleaning and disinfection protocols, traffic flow guidelines to ensure social distancing and required face-coverings for all employees.  

With expected rallies and large gathering demonstrations surrounding the election, the City has communicated heavily with Chicago’s business community to ensure they have the resources and guidance needed to be prepared for such activity. The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection encourages businesses to take the following steps:  

  1. Sign-Up for ChiBiz Alerts: Text “CHIBIZ” to 6-7-2-8-3  
  2. Join Chicago’s Public and Private Partnership Initiative (CP3): Visit preparedchicago.com  
  3. Stay Alert! Call 9-1-1 if you witness suspicious activity 

Starting next week, OEMC is also launching a Business Operation Center (BOC), a physical facility created for the private sector partners to exchange real-time information and provide situational awareness during public safety or public health issues. A first-of-its-kind effort, the BOC is designed to expand the communication and operational components by utilizing businesses and key subject-matter experts with the ability to contact security onsite and distribute accurate information.  

OEMC is also reminding residents that they can also receive emergency alerts for updates on street closures and public transportation by subscribing to Chicago’s text or email alert system at NotifyChicago.org or follow OEMC on Facebook and Twitter.  
Don’t Forget to Early Vote! Early Voting Ends Monday, November 2!
Alderman Reilly strongly encourages voters to cast their ballot early to avoid long lines and wait times on Election Day. Chicago voters may use any Early Voting location in the city to cast their ballot for the General Election. 

Additionally, Alderman Reilly would like to remind voters who are Voting By Mail to return their ballots at any drop-off location in the City to ensure your ballot is received before Election Day. Voters submitting their Ballot Return Envelopes do not have to wait in the Early Voting line. 

There will be secured Drop Boxes at every Early Voting site for any Chicago Vote By Mail voter to submit the signed and sealed Ballot Return Envelope. Ballots can be dropped off at any of the locations listed below and there will be a 24 hour drop box located at 69 W. Washington St. The 24 hour location will remain open through Election Day at 7:00pm. 
Every voter is encouraged to wear a face mask that covers the mouth and nose, whether visiting for in-person Early Voting or to use a Secured Drop Box. Voters in line must practice social distancing with 6 feet (2 meters) of space between persons in line.  

Furthermore, individuals do not need to declare a political party in order to vote. A standard ballot will be issued to each voter based on the voter's address and the federal, state and local voting districts where the voter lives.  

Any ballots that voters cast in Early Voting are final. After casting ballots in Early Voting, voters may not return to amend, change or undo a ballot for any reason. It is a felony to vote more than once -- or to attempt to vote more than once -- in the same election.  

You do not need ID if you are already registered to vote AND your signature matches the one on file AND there are no questions about your registration. However, there are times when a government-issued photo ID is helpful, such as registering to vote or updating the name or address on your registration in person when you go to vote.  

Registration services are available at every Early Voting site. Two forms of ID, one of which shows the voter's current address, are needed to register for the first time or to file a name change or an address update.  

Below is a list of the hours and locations of early voting sites in or near the 42nd Ward. For the full list of locations around the City, please click here.   

October 14 - November 3

Loop Super Site (191 N. Clark St.)  
  • Today – Until 7pm  
  • Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm 
  • Monday - 8:30 am-7 pm   
  • Election Day - 6 am-7 pm   

Maggie Daley Park (337 E. Randolph St.) per BOE, there are shorter lines at this site  
  • Today – Until 7pm 
  • Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm  
  • Monday - 8:30 am-7 pm 
  • Election Day - 6 am-7 pm  

Ogden Elementary School (24 W. Walton St.)  
  • Today – Until 7pm 
  • Saturday-Sunday - 9 am-5 pm  
  • Monday - 8:30 am-7 pm  

Every precinct in the 42nd Ward has been assigned a polling location, however, any 42nd Ward voters can cast their ballot at 191 North Clark Street and 337 East Randolph Street on Election Day, from 6:00am to 7:00pm. Please check chicagoelections.gov/info to see where your polling place is located

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please click here. For more information about voting this November, please visit the Chicago Board of Elections website
Register Now for Chicago Park District Fall Programs
Chicago residents can sign-up for the Chicago Park District's fall programming now! A full list of programs can be viewed here and more information can be found below.

In-Person Programs
  • Smaller group sizes will be implemented in accordance with CDC, IDPH, and CDPH guidelines. Staff to participant ratio will be 1:9.
  • Participants must practice social distancing. 
  • Participants are required to wear their own face covering/mask during programming.
  • Everyone must attend programs in good health. If any symptoms present, the child will be isolated and a parent will be called to take the child home.
  • Participants must bring their own water; drinking fountains will not be available.

Information for Online Programs
  • Most programs are hosted via Zoom. Aquatics and Gymnastic Center classes use Microsoft TEAMS.The link for a class will be listed on the registration receipt.
  • An account is required to register and participate in a class. If you do not already have an ActiveNet account, set up an account now.
  • With the limited number of spaces available in each class, it is recommended to sign up early.
  • To ensure a safe online experience, all virtual programs will require the name of the person taking the class be provided. This name must match the name of the person entered when registering. 
  • Please review and keep your ActiveNet registration receipt. 
  • You will find the meeting link and password for each registered program on the receipt.
  • When it is time for a program to begin, click the meeting link on the receipt and enter the listed password when prompted.

For more information about the available programs, please visit the Chicago Park District website.
Apply for 2021 Individual Artists Program (IAP) Grants
The Individual Artists Program aims to assist Chicago's practicing artists in creating work that develops their craft and elevates their careers, while adding to the cultural vitality of the city of Chicago.

To be eligible to apply for funding from the Individual Artists Program, applicants must meet each of the following criteria:
  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Be a United States citizen or permanent resident with Social Security Number
  • Be a resident of the city of Chicago, Illinois (proof of Chicago residency is required for application - we will only accept a Driver’s License, State of Illinois ID or Chicago CityKey)
  • Must not be enrolled full time in undergraduate college or university studies of any kind.

The deadline to submit applications is December 1, 2020 at 5:00pm CST.
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.  
Chicago Department of Public Health Citywide Flu Clinics
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has launched its annual Flu Vaccination Campaign to raise awareness about the flu and encourage Chicagoans to receive their flu shot. CDPH recommends everyone six months and older receive a yearly flu vaccine as the first, and most important step, in protecting against the flu. To ensure that every resident can access vaccines, regardless of their immigration status and ability to pay, CDPH has scheduled more than 50 community flu clinics over the next two months where residents can get their flu shot for no out-of-pocket cost. 

This fall, CDPH is adjusting their flu clinic operations to increase capacity, allow for appropriate social distancing and protect both our staff and clients. They will host over 40 recurring flu clinics at large locations across the City, such as Chicago’s City Colleges, and multiple smaller, one-time clinics in high-risk communities. The full schedule is available online at chicago.gov/flu. Walk-ins are welcome, but residents will soon be able to register in advance on the website. 

While the flu vaccination is always important, this season getting vaccinated is more important than ever. This is especially true for people who are at higher risk of being exposed to or developing serious complications from flu and COVID-19, as well as those who are caregivers of people who are at higher risk from these two diseases. This includes: 

  • People 65 and older, who account for the majority of hospitalizations and deaths from flu and COVID-19. 
  • People with underlying medical conditions like lung disease, heart disease, neurologic disorders, weakened immune systems and diabetes, who also are more likely to have serious flu and COVID-19 outcomes. 
  • African Americans and Hispanics, who are disproportionally affected by diseases like asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions that can increase the risk for serious flu and COVID-19 complications. 
  • Caregivers in long-term care facilities—in addition to residents—who are in daily close contact with people who are most vulnerable to serious flu and COVID-19 illness and death. 
  • Essential workers who have frequent interactions with the public and who are therefore more likely to be exposed to flu and COVID-19.  

Residents are best served when they receive vaccines as part of a routine visit with a primary care provider. If you do not have a doctor, find a nearby pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine or call 311 to locate a CDPH Community Flu Clinic. To make it easier for residents to find a location to be vaccinated, CDPH has relaunched the Chicago Flu Vaccine Finder, a web-based app that shows the closest location where the flu shot is available. 

For more information about the flu and to see the full list of community flu clinics in Chicago, visit chicago.gov/flu
Police Alerts and Community Notices
Upcoming Events
City of Chicago Annual Budget Hearings
October 26 - November 10
Mayor Lightfoot presented her 2021 Budget Address earlier this week. The Mayor's remarks, as prepared, can be read here or watched online here.
 
42nd Ward constituents who wish to share suggestions on addressing the City's fiscal challenges, revenue-generating ideas, or comments on the proposed 2021 budget can submit written feedback via email to alderman@ward42chicago.com or call us at 312-642-4242. Alderman Reilly reads every letter and email - examining your ideas carefully and considering the possibility of implementation.
                          
Alderman Reilly also invites you to join him at the 2021 City Budget Hearings, to see the process in action. Budget hearings are available to watch online and begin at 9:00am (or subject to call of Chair) each day. The complete 2021 budget hearing and meeting schedule is linked here and hearings can be watched at chicityclerk.com.

The public comment period will be limited to 30 minutes at the beginning of departmental hearings. Each person participating in public comment shall have up to three minutes to address all items on the agenda during the public comment period. Due to high demand, the Committee cannot guarantee every person who signs up for public comment will have the opportunity to speak. Instructions on public attendance and how to participate during the public comment period will be posted on the Chicago City Clerk’s website.

Written public comment for Departmental and Agency Hearings will be accepted at committeeonthebudgetandgovernmentoperations@cityofchicago.org beginning October 21, 2020 and end at 9:00 a.m. on the day prior to the subject department or agency’s hearing date.
City of Chicago Halloweek
October 26- 31, 2020
The City of Chicago announced a plan to safely celebrate Halloween in Chicago that emphasizes social distancing and other safety precautions while allowing trick-or-treating and other fun activities throughout the week.

The City’s ‘Halloweek’ guidelines will allow for a responsible celebration spread out over a full week to minimize congregation, while calling on both children and adults to abide by COVID safety precautions that are keeping all of us protected and limiting the spread of the virus. ‘Halloweek’ activities will include safe trick-or treating along with Halloween-themed programs from the Chicago Park District, Chicago Public Library and other City departments and partners.  

The City is offering specific guidance on how to trick-or-treat safely, including advising that trick-or-treating groups remain limited to six people or fewer and that trick-or-treaters stay on the move without congregating – which means more houses visited and more candy for all! People passing out candy are asked to try to socially distance while doing so, perhaps by using a tube or pipe to drop candy into trick-or-treaters’ bags from a distance. More guidelines can be found below:

  1. Masks aren’t just for trick-or-treaters this year! Everyone—including candy givers—should wear a face covering (multi-layered, covering the mouth and nose, without gaps around the face).
  2. Leave a light on or hang a Halloweek sign in your window to let others know your house is giving out candy safely.
  3. Handing out candy? Please socially distance and have hand sanitizer, too.
  4. Trick or treating? Stay on the move! Less congregating means more houses and more candy.
  5. Ensure there’s all treats and no tricks. Please don’t reach into candy bowls while trick or treating, and eat candy only at home after washing your hands.
  6. No Haunted Houses. They are truly spooky and dangerous this year.
  7. Keep your candy crew small. Trick-or-treating groups should be 6 people or fewer.
  8. No house parties large or small this year.

Is your business or organization doing something special for Halloween? Fill out this form prior to October 18th, and the City will share your event with parents and families who are looking to make a plan to celebrate Halloween. Events can be in-person or virtual but must follow the Halloweek Safety Guidelines and occur between October 26th and 31st.

Wisit ChicagoHalloweek.org to stay updated on additional events around the City!
CACC Howl-O-Ween 2020
Get ready to fall in love with a dog or cat at the city shelter during Howl-o-ween! When you pick up your new friend between October 21 and October 31 you'll also take home a goody bag, a Halloween costume, and a "Gotcha Day" pic of you and your new pet! 

To view a list of available pets for adoption, please click here. All completed applications should be submitted via email to visitcacc@gmail.com. Please allow five days to hear back from CACC to schedule an appointment to meet the available pets. To view CACC's adoption policies, please click here.
2020 Virtual Girls' Summit
Saturday, October 31 at 9:00am
This October, City Clerk Anna Valencia, Chicago Foundation for Women’s President & CEO Felicia Davis, and the Status of Women and Girls Working Group will host the 2020 Girls’ Summit.

This free virtual summit will bring together young women, girls, trans, and gender non-binary individuals ages 13-24 from across Chicago to discuss the issues most important to them.

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.
Last Weekend of Open House Chicago
October 16 - November 1, 2020
Open House Chicago is back with a reimagined event for 2020. The beloved architecture festival, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, will now span 10 days and more than 20 of Chicago’s unique neighborhoods. This year’s event includes both online and outdoor events that showcase the fascinating history, architecture, and culture of the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

The free festival typically offers access to hundreds of sites across Chicago, from iconic locations to under-the-radar architectural gems.

This year, the event has been reformatted for outdoor and online participation to accommodate for social distancing and ensure the safety of all participants. The Open House itineraries will focus less on specific sites and more on larger themes—forgotten or under-celebrated architects, how community areas develop specific architecture styles, and important places for understanding the city’s history. This year’s highlighted neighborhoods include an emphasis on the South and West sides.

Although visitors are prohibited from entering participating sites, the new OHC 2020 mobile app will offer location based experiences to enhance any site. Utilizing the Open House Chicago website and the OHC 2020 app, visitors will explore neighborhoods as never before.

For more information about Open House Chicago and answers to Frequently Asked Questions, please visit their website by clicking here.
Virtual Chi Teen Lit Fest
November 6-7, 2020
The fifth annual for-teens-by-teens ChiTeen Lit Fest takes place Friday and Saturday, November 6-7. For the first time, the fest is fully virtual! ChiTeen Lit Fest provides a safe and creative space for you to unlock and discover your unique voice through literary arts.

The festival includes workshops and meetups on both days, Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7, as well as a headliner panel, performance and DJ dance party Friday night. The Chicago Public Library encourages storytellers ages 13 to 19 to sign-up for all of the events and connect with professional writers and artists.

Interested teens can click here to register and learn more about the fest, headliners, and performances.
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.

Beats 111, 112, 113 and 114 will be meeting via Zoom on Thursday, November 5 at 3:00pm. Please email CAPS001District@chicagopolice.org for login information.

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
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. During the week of November 2, LG Construction will be mobilizing equipment/materials and making deliveries to the site.
  2. Starting the week of November 9, LG Construction will be excavating the site and preparing to pour caissons.
  3. 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. 

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.

Crane Lift at 105 West Hubbard Street

On Monday, November 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there will be a crane lift at 105 West Hubbard Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:
  • 100' of sidewalk in front of 105 West Hubbard Street
  • 100' of curb lane in front 105 West Hubbard Street
  • 100' of the eastbound traffic lane in front of 105 West Hubbard Street.
  • Curb lane on the north side of West Hubbard, from Clark to a point 130' west thereof
There will be barricades, detour signs, and flaggers in place throughout the lift. 

Crane Lift at 330 North Clinton Street

On Wednesday, November 4, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., there will be a crane lift at 330 North Clinton Street. During the lift, the following will be closed:
  • 100' of the sidewalk in front of 330 N. Clinton 
  • 100' of the curb lane in front of 330 N. Clinton 
  • 100' of the west traffic lane in front of 330 N. Clinton
There will be barricades, detour signs, and flaggers in place throughout the lift. 

Filming at 38 South Michigan

Scenes are being filmed for an upcoming movie at 38 South Michigan Avenue on Friday, November 6. Parking will be prohibited from Monday, November 2, at 6:00 a.m. to Friday, November 6, at 8:00 p.m. at the following location:
  • South side of East Monroe Street, from Michigan Avenue to the first alley west thereof

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. 

Festival of Lights TV Show Special Pre-Tape

The Magnificent Mile Association will be filming a Festival of Lights TV Special at Pioneer Court located at 401 N. Michigan Avenue on Sunday, November 1. The filming set-up will occur on Saturday, October 31. During the set-up, filming, and teardown parking will be restricted in the curb lane at 401 N. Michigan Avenue, so the filming crew can park essential vehicles. 

While the TV special is being filmed, there will be barricades and private security on-site. The Chicago Police Department will be present to help with crowd control.  

Bicycle Bridge Cleaning and Painting: Lake Shore Drive and Randolph Street

Starting Saturday, October 17, the Chicago Department of Transportation will be cleaning and painting the bike bridge at North Lake Shore Drive and East Randolph Street. The work will occur from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily. 

Since the cleaning and painting will occur from inside the Dusable Harbor Parking Lot, there will not be any lane closures or disruptions to bicycle traffic. 

All work is expected to be finished by Saturday, November 7. 

Millennium Park Christmas Tree Delivery

Starting at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, the following will be closed to facilitate the delivery of Millennium Park’s Christmas Tree:

  • Northbound Michigan Avenue, from Madison to Randolph
  • The sidewalk on the east side of Michigan Avenue, from Madison to Randolph (Millennium Park Security will be in place to secure the sidewalk)
  • The crosswalk on the west side of Michigan at Washington (the public will be instructed to cross at Madison or Randolph)

Type III barricades and traffic barrels will be in place. Everything is expected to re-open by 6:00 p.m. on Monday, November 9

50 East Randolph Street Sidewalk Restoration

Starting Monday, October 19, Clark Construction will begin restoring the south and west facing sidewalks at 50 East Randolph. During the work, the following will occur:
  • Pedestrians traveling northbound on the east side of Wabash Avenue will be directed to walk in the curb lane from Randolph Street to Benton Place
  • Pedestrians traveling eastbound on the north side of Randolph Street will be directed to walk in the bike lane from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue 
  • Cyclists traveling eastbound on the north side of Randolph Street will be directed to ride in the curb lane from Wabash Avenue to Michigan Avenue

All work is expected to be completed by Friday, November 6.

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

AT&T Fiber Optic Installation: 227 East Ontario

Starting at the beginning of the fourth quarter, AT&T plans to install fiber optic cable at 227 East Ontario Street. The work will occur on the south side of East Ontario, from a point 148' west of North Fairbanks Court, to a point 240' west thereof (curb lane).

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.

937 North Rush Street Demolition

Starting Monday, October 19, McDonagh Demolition will be tearing down 937 North Rush Street. Work hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., daily. During the demolition, the following will be closed: 

  • 50’ of sidewalk in front of 937 North Rush Street (the sidewalk will reopen daily after work is completed)
  • 50’ of curb lane in front of 937 North Rush Street

McDonagh Demolition will have barricades, construction fencing, detour signs, and flaggers in place. The construction company will deploy dust mitigation techniques to prevent dust from leaving the site. 

All demolition work is expected to be completed by November 13, 2020.

CTA Elevated Brown Line Track Maintenance

Starting Saturday, September 19, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will begin structural maintenance on the Elevated Brown Line Track over Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street. During the work, the following will be closed as needed:

  • Alleys on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street
  • Curb/Traffic lanes on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street
  • Sidewalks on both sides of Franklin Street, between Ohio Street and Huron Street

The CTA plans to work Monday-Friday, from 8am-3:30pm and Saturday-Sunday, from 8am-6pm. This project will cause moderate noise.

All work is expected to be completed by Sunday, November 15, 2020.  

AT&T Fiber Optic Installation

Starting at the end of the third quarter, AT&T plans to install fiber optic cable at 550 W. Washington Street. The work will occur at the northwest corner of Washington Street and Clinton Street. 

Lane/sidewalk closures will occur as needed.

IJKL Host and Crane Jump

As work continues rapidly on the LSE IJKL site, Lendlease Construction will be jumping (increasing the height) to its hoists and cranes over the weekends listed below:

  • Saturday, October 24 – Saturday, October 31

For safety, no other production work will occur on site during these jumps. All dates are weather dependent and if any changes occur, an updated schedule will be issued.

Arcade Place Intermittent Closure

Starting Tuesday, September 1, Executive Construction will be removing the pedestrian bridge between 10 S. LaSalle Street and 5 S. LaSalle Street. During the project, Arcade Place, between Wells Street and LaSalle Street will be closed intermittently to install and remove scaffold. 

All work is expected to be completed by in mid-November (weather dependent).

St. Clair Water Main Installation

Starting at the beginning of November, the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) will install 1,508 feet of 8-inch water main on the west side of St. Clair Street, between Illinois Street and Superior Street. 

Throughout the project, portions of the southbound traffic/curb lane and sidewalk will be closed as needed. Work will be conducted from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., daily. 

After the new water main has been installed, the described area will experience an increase in the availability of water for fire protection and domestic use. 

This project is anticipated to be completed in mid-November 2020.

Overnight Parking Ban Downtown this Weekend

Starting tonight at midnight until December 31, overnight parking will be restricted on the following streets:  

  • 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

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 tramp 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.

Vista Construction Update and Traffic Impact

Re-opening of Field Boulevard for vehicular traffic and pedestrians:

  • Due to safety precautions that involve the work overhead of public spaces and CDOT requirements, Magellan cannot open the underpass until initial occupancy.

Upper Wacker Drive within Project Scope:

  • Due to safety precautions, CDOT has permitted McHugh construction to take a portion of the Upper Level of Wacker Drive until the building achieves initial occupancy.

No-Left-Turn Configuration:
  • Until initial occupancy, when Wacker traffic can be directed eastbound through the new intersection, and then westbound along the north leg of Wacker, the current no-left-turn configuration will remain in place.
 
For more information or to speak with the General Contractor for the project, please contact McHugh Construction Company's Senior Project Manager for Vista, Joe Kuna at jkuna@mchughconstruction.com.