Kennedy Expressway $169 Million Rehabilitation Project Nears 2025 Completion Amidst Commuter Frustrations

Chicago commuters continue to face significant delays on the I-90/94 Kennedy Expressway as the multi-year, $169 million rehabilitation project enters its final phase. A recent social media post highlighted the severe impact, with one traveler, identified as "Hey Jay," reporting an hour-long journey to cover just six miles on the route from North Avenue to O'Hare International Airport. "Just to point out the incompetency of @GovPritzker 90/94 project," the user stated, noting an initial expectation of 1 hour 20 minutes for the 13-mile trip.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) initiated the comprehensive project in 2023, aiming to modernize the vital expressway, which sees over 275,000 vehicles daily. The rehabilitation includes repairs to 36 bridges, upgrades to the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system, replacement of overhead signs, and extensive pavement patching. The work is structured in three phases, with inbound lanes completed in 2023, reversible express lanes addressed in 2024, and the current focus on outbound lanes.

Commuters are experiencing substantial disruptions as the final phase targets the outbound side of I-90/94 from the Edens Expressway junction to Ohio Street. IDOT has warned that those heading to O'Hare from downtown must remain on the mainline Kennedy, as the express lanes will primarily be outbound-only and will not allow exits until Foster Avenue. This configuration, along with two mainline outbound lanes closed, is expected to continue through mid-July, with the overall project slated for completion by Thanksgiving 2025.

The extensive construction efforts are part of Governor J.B. Pritzker's "Rebuild Illinois" capital program, a statewide initiative investing billions into infrastructure improvements. While officials emphasize the long-term benefits of enhanced safety, reduced maintenance costs, and improved traffic flow, the immediate impact on travel times remains a point of contention for many drivers. IDOT encourages motorists to seek alternative routes and consider public transportation to mitigate delays.