Traffic Updates
Updates describing work areas and traffic impacts will be posted here. To receive these updates in your inbox, sign up for the Mailing List.
9/24/2024 Update from CDOT
Dear Residents and Stakeholders,
The Chicago Department of Transportation is excited to announce that Phase 1 of the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park is substantially complete! This milestone has been reached with the completion of the major work items along Stony Island Avenue, including new sewers and connections, utility work, sidewalk, curb and gutter, ADA ramps, pedestrian safety improvements, traffic signals, street lighting, landscaped medians, irrigation, trees, and roadway paving. Please note that punch list work remains and is ongoing. This will include minor touch up items and site cleanup.
Phase 1 of the Jackson Park Transportation Improvements project has brought the following major improvements:
Addition of a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) from 57th Drive to Hayes Drive
Three new pedestrian underpasses for improved park mobility
Widening and repairs at existing pedestrian underpasses
New pump station to alleviate flooding issues at the 59th Street pedestrian underpass
Reconfiguration of Hayes Drive between Stony Island Avenue and DLSD, including reconfigured intersections at DLSD, Richards, and Cornell.
Widening of Stony Island Avenue to provide two lanes in each direction with parking on both sides, new landscaped medians, new traffic signals, new street lighting, improved bus stops, and safer crossings for pedestrians and people biking.
Conversion of Cornell Drive from Midway Plaisance to Hayes Drive into park space
Phase 2 of the project is coming in Spring 2025 and will include additional roadway work south of 64th Street. Phase 2 will also include permanent landscaping work and architectural features associated with the transportation improvements throughout the park. CDOT is excited to bring these additional improvements to Jackson Park. Please stay tuned for updates on this next phase of the project.
3/13/2024 Update from CDOT
Dear Residents and Stakeholders,
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with crews working through the winter months to complete Phase I of the project by this summer. The primary focus continues to be work along Stony Island Avenue, including new sewers and connections, utility work, new sidewalk, new curb and gutter, new ADA ramps, pedestrian safety improvements, new traffic signals, new street lighting, landscaping, irrigation work, and roadway paving.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
11/3/2023 Update from CDOT
Dear Residents and Stakeholders,
As we approach the end of the 2023 construction season, we reflect on the major accomplishments achieved this year. These include:
Construction of a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive
New pedestrian underpass structures installed at Hayes Drive just west of DLSD and at the intersection of Cornell Drive and Hayes Drive
Repairs to the existing pedestrian underpass below DLSD just north of Hayes
Structural upgrades to the existing pedestrian underpass under DLSD just north of the 59th Street Inlet Bridge
Repairs to the façade and decorative balustrades on the 59th Street Inlet Bridge
Installation of a new 36” water main under Stony Island Avenue
Construction of a reconfigured intersection at Hayes Drive and Richards Drive
Construction of a reconfigured intersection at Hayes Drive and Cornell Drive
Installation of a new park path connection to the future OPC site
Construction crews continue their focus on utility work and roadway paving along Stony Island Avenue. That work will continue into the spring.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
9/1/2023 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with two more milestones completed as of today. First, Hayes Drive from Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive reopened earlier this week, marking substantial completion of work along Hayes. Second, the existing pedestrian underpass at the 59th Street Inlet Bridge reopens today.
Crews continue their work, now focused on Stony Island Avenue. Improvements to the northbound side of Stony Island are complete, and traffic has been shifted to accommodate reconstruction of the southbound lanes and sidewalk. This work will continue through the fall.
Please note the following upcoming traffic impact: Starting Tuesday, September 5th, the pedestrian underpass under DuSable Lake Shore Drive at 57th Drive will be temporarily closed for approximately two weeks for repainting. A signed detour will be in place.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
7/25/2023 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with several major milestones achieved recently. DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) is fully open, with three lanes in each direction. Hayes Drive is fully open from DLSD to Cornell Drive, including a new fully reconfigured signalized intersection at Hayes Drive and Richards Drive. New pedestrian underpasses under Hayes at DLSD and under the newly configured intersection of Hayes Drive & Cornell Drive are open for use. Finally, Cornell Drive from Midway Plaisance to Hayes Drive has been permanently closed.
Crews continue their work, now focused on Stony Island Avenue. Improvements to the northbound side of Stony Island are complete, and traffic has been shifted to accommodate reconstruction of the southbound lanes and sidewalk. This work will continue through the fall. Work also continues on Hayes Drive from Stony Island to Cornell Drive, with this segment scheduled to reopen by Labor Day.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
6/23/2023 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park. As mentioned in the update sent earlier this month, several major milestones are occurring in June. The most notable is that Cornell Drive from Midway Plaisance to Hayes Drive will be permanently closed on June 30th.
Traffic patterns will shift starting July 1st from the current configuration as follows:
Cornell Drive from Hayes Drive to Marquette Drive will be reopened
Cornell Drive from Midway Plaisance to Hayes Drive will be permanently closed
Hayes Drive from Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive will be temporarily closed
Southbound motorists connecting from DLSD to Stony Island Avenue are suggested to take DLSD to Hayes Drive to Cornell Drive to Stony Island Avenue
Northbound motorists connecting from Stony Island Avenue to DLSD are suggested to take Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive to Hayes Drives to DLSD
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
6/7/2023 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with several major milestones scheduled to occur this month:
DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive
All three existing northbound lanes reopened by the week of June 12th
Both existing southbound lanes reopened by the week of June 12th
Newly constructed third southbound lane opened by June 30th
Hayes Drive
Eastbound Hayes Drive from DLSD to Richards Drive reopened June 12th
Westbound Hayes Drive from DLSD to Richards Drive reopened the week of June 12th
Hayes Drive fully opened from DLSD to Cornell Drive by June 30th
Cornell Drive
Cornell Drive from Midway Plaisance to Hayes Drive will be permanently closed on June 30th
Pedestrian Underpasses
Existing underpass under DLSD at Hayes Drive was reopened on May 26th
Newly constructed underpass under Hayes Drive at DLSD opened June 12th
Newly constructed underpass under Hayes Drive at the reconfigured Hayes Drive & Cornell Drive intersection opened June 12th
Newly constructed underpass under Cornell Drive at the reconfigured Hayes Drive & Cornell Drive intersection opened June 30th
There are two upcoming major traffic changes to support the completion of this work.
Starting the week of June 12th and lasting through June 30th:
Cornell Drive will be temporarily closed from Hayes Drive to Marquette Drive
Cornell Drive traffic will be rerouted to Stony Island Avenue via Hayes Drive
Marquette Drive will be temporarily closed in the westbound direction from DLSD to Richards Drive
Southbound motorists connecting from DLSD to Stony Island Avenue are suggested to take DLSD to 57th Drive to Cornell Drive to Hayes Drive to Stony Island Avenue
Northbound motorists connecting from Stony Island Avenue to DLSD are suggested to take Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive to Marquette Drive to Richards Drive to Hayes Drives to DLSD
Starting July 1st:
Cornell Drive from Hayes Drive to Marquette Drive will be reopened
Cornell Drive from Midway Plaisance to Hayes Drive will be permanently closed
Hayes Drive from Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive will be temporarily closed
Southbound motorists connecting from DLSD to Stony Island Avenue are suggested to take DLSD to Hayes Drive to Cornell Drive to Stony Island Avenue
Northbound motorists connecting from Stony Island Avenue to DLSD are suggested to take Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive to Hayes Drives to DLSD
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
5/18/2023 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with crews making great progress! We are pleased to announce that the temporary configuration restricting traffic to one lane in each direction on DLSD at the intersection of 57th Drive has been lifted. Two lanes in each direction, plus turn lanes, are now open through the intersection.
Current major operations include:
Construction of a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive
Bridge deck widening at 59th Street Inlet Bridge over DLSD
Structural upgrades to existing pedestrian underpasses
New pedestrian underpass structures at the reconfigured intersection of Cornell Drive and Hayes Drive
New pedestrian underpass structure at Hayes Drive just west of DLSD
Construction of new pavement at the intersection of Hayes Drive and DLSD, over the new underpass
Construction of new roadway pavement on Stony Island Avenue
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
5/1/2023 Update from CDOT
Upcoming Temporary Nighttime Closures of the Lake Front Trail
Please note that to facilitate construction operations on the 59th Street Inlet Bridge, the Lake Front Trail will be closed nightly starting the evening of Monday, May 1st. This work is being conducted overnight to minimize inconvenience to trail users. Closures will be from 9pm to 5am between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive. Please plan to use alternate routes to avoid a detour involving stairs at the 59th Street Inlet Bridge. This work and the nighttime closures are expected to last two weeks.
3/23/2023 Update from CDOT
Please note that to facilitate construction operations, a portion of the Lake Front Trail adjacent to 57th Drive will be temporarily closed. There is a signed detour in place. This closure and detour will remain in place through mid-April.
3/17/2023 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with crews making great progress on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Hayes Drive, and Stony Island Avenue.
Ongoing major operations include:
Construction of a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive
New pedestrian underpass structures installed at Hayes Drive just west of DLSD and at the intersection of Cornell Drive and Hayes Drive
Repairs to the existing pedestrian underpass below DLSD just north of Hayes
Structural upgrades to the existing pedestrian underpass under DLSD just north of the 59th Street Inlet Bridge
Installation of a new 36” water main under Stony Island Avenue
Upcoming major milestones expected to be completed by end of May:
DLSD expected to be fully opened with 3 lanes in each direction at 57th Drive
Pedestrian underpass under DLSD at Hayes Drive reopened
Bridge deck widening at 59th Street Inlet Bridge over DLSD
Roadway paving on DLSD
Please note the following upcoming traffic changes: Starting the week of March 20th and lasting approximately two months, a temporary configuration will go into place to allow for bridge deck repair and resurfacing:
Southbound DSLD will be reduced to one lane approaching the 57th Drive intersection.
Northbound DLSD will be reduced to one lane approaching the 57th Drive intersection.
Eastbound 57th Drive approaching DLSD will be reduced to one right turn lane and one left turn lane.
Significant delays are expected from this short-term traffic modification. Please plan ahead and use alternate routes for your northbound and southbound commutes through the DLSD at 57th Drive intersection.
Work will continue on Stony Island Avenue and Hayes Drive in their current configurations.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
1/25/2023 Update from CDOT
Happy New Year from CDOT and the Jackson Park Team! Construction crews are working through the winter to deliver important mobility improvements throughout Jackson Park.
We are pleased to announce that on or about the week of February 6th, CDOT will reopen all lanes of traffic at the 57th Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive intersection to help ease congestion in the area.
Work will continue on Stony Island Avenue and Hayes Drive in their current configurations.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
11/3/2022 Update from CDOT
Construction crews continue to make great progress in Jackson Park!
Major operations have included:
Construction of a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive (DLSD) between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive
Constructing a new pedestrian underpass below Hayes Drive just west of DLSD
Repairs to the existing pedestrian underpass below DLSD just north of Hayes
Structural upgrades to the existing pedestrian underpass under DLSD just north of the 59th Street Inlet Bridge
Installation of a new 36” water main under Stony Island Avenue
Advance utility work adjacent to the intersection of Hayes Drive and Cornell Drive
Please note the following upcoming traffic changes: Starting on or after November 7th and lasting through mid-December, crews will perform work on the medians within DLSD between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive. This work will require the following traffic changes:
Temporary lane reduction on northbound DLSD (will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive)
Temporary turn lane reduction for the eastbound 57th Drive to northbound DLSD movement (will be reduced from three left turn lanes to two left turn lanes)
Temporary lane shift on southbound DLSD just north of 57th Drive
Work will continue on Stony Island Avenue and Hayes Drive in their current configurations.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
9/28/2022 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park, with crews making great progress on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Hayes Drive, and Stony Island Avenue.
Please note the following upcoming traffic changes: Starting on or after October 3rd and lasting approximately three weeks, a temporary configuration will go into place to allow for advance work in preparation for construction of two new pedestrian underpasses at the reconfigured intersection of Hayes Drive and Cornell Drive:
Hayes Drive between Stony Island Avenue and Cornell Drive will be temporarily closed.
Temporary lane reductions will go into place on Cornell Drive to the north and south of the Hayes Drive intersection. During peak rush periods, two lanes of traffic will be maintained in the peak direction. During off-peak periods, one lane will be provided in each direction.
For drivers intending to reach northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive via Hayes Drive to Cornell Drive to 57th Drive, a signed detour will be in place to direct drivers to DLSD via Stony Island Avenue to Midway Plaisance to Cornell Drive to 57th Drive.
A long-term closure of Hayes Drive east of Cornell Drive will also go into place on October 3rd. Local access to Park District facilities will be maintained via Richards Drive.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
9/8/2022 Update from CDOT
Quick update to communicate the following upcoming change: Starting September 12th, the pedestrian underpass just north of the 59th Street Inlet Bridge will be closed for structural upgrades. Pedestrians will be detoured to the underpass at 57th Street, with signage posted.
8/19/2022 Update from CDOT
Construction continues on the planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park. The major focus this summer has been constructing a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive and also constructing a new pedestrian underpass below Hayes Drive just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Crews are making great progress!
Please note the following upcoming traffic change: Starting August 29th, there will be a long-term roadway narrowing where traffic will be shifted to the west side of Stony Island Avenue from 59th Street to 65th Place. Traffic will be limited to one lane in each direction, and parking will be restricted. Construction activities will include the relocation and replacement of a 36” water main, roadway widening, and construction of new pedestrian safety improvements. CTA bus service will remain active on Stony Island Avenue. CTA users should expect bus stops to be temporarily consolidated and relocated to safe locations away from immediately adjacent construction activity.
An updated informational flyer can be downloaded here.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
7/15/2022 Update from CDOT
Construction is well underway on the long planned roadway changes and transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park in support of the Obama Presidential Center and the Chicago Park District’s South Lakefront Framework Plan!
Major operations currently include constructing a third southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive and also constructing a new pedestrian underpass below Hayes Drive just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Starting July 18th, new pedestrian signals and a prominently marked crosswalk will be installed to create a new temporary at-grade crossing for pedestrians to cross DuSable Lake Shore Drive at the Hayes Drive signalized intersection, adjacent to the 63rd Beach driveway. The existing pedestrian underpass for DuSable Lake Shore Drive north of Hayes Drive will be closed for upgrades to the underpass structure. Signage for a detour route will be posted. Pedestrian underpasses at 57th, 59th, and Marquette remain open.
Please note that all park facilities remain open and accessible to the public, with the exception of the parking lot at 1987 E. Hayes Drive (lot just south of Hayes Drive and just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive). The boat launch within this lot remains open.
Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive has been reduced to a single lane between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes, including 57th Drive and Cornell Drive.
Hayes Drive has been fully closed just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Drivers intending to access northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive are encouraged to use Cornell Drive and 57th Drive.
Parking restrictions and intermittent daytime lane closures continue along Stony Island Avenue from 59th Street to Marquette Drive, with one lane of traffic in both directions maintained at all times.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The project team frequently receives questions about the purpose of orange fencing installed around trees. The purpose of the fencing is to protect these trees during construction. The fencing ensures construction materials and heavy equipment does not damage tree branches overhead, nor compact tree root systems beneath.
4/12/2022 Update from CDOT
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is starting roadway work on long planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park coordinated with the Obama Presidential Center and supportive of the Chicago Park District’s South Lakefront Framework Plan. Upcoming traffic impacts:
DuSable Lake Shore Drive: Starting April 14th, one southbound lane on DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed between 57th Drive and Hayes Drive. Alternate routes include Cornell Drive and Stony Island Avenue.
Hayes Drive: Starting April 18th, Hayes Drive will be closed just west of DuSable Lake Shore Drive and a detour will be posted. There will be daytime lane closures and parking restrictions on Hayes Drive between Stony Island and just east of DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Access to Park District fields will be maintained.
Stony Island Avenue: Starting April 18th, intermittent daytime lane closures will be in place along northbound Stony Island Avenue from Marquette Drive to 59th Street, typically three blocks at a time. Parking will be restricted along Stony Island. One lane of traffic both directions will be maintained.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, obey the posted speed limits, and be on the alert for workers and equipment.
The project will maintain community access to trails, Chicago Park District buildings, ball fields, golfing, and parking lots during construction except for use of and parking at the Boat Launch and parking lot at 1987 E. Hayes Drive. Pedestrian detour routes with wayfinding signs will be implemented to guide residents and park users around sidewalk, path, and roadway closures in the park.
A flyer with a graphic illustrating these impacts can be downloaded by clicking here.
2/18/2022 Update from CDOT
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is starting construction on long planned transportation improvements in and around Jackson Park coordinated with the Obama Presidential Center and supportive of the Chicago Park District’s South Lakefront Framework Plan.
Starting next week, weather permitting, motorists can expect daily off-peak lane closures for site preparation work on Stony Island Avenue, Hayes Drive, and South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. This will continue through mid-March.
Starting in mid-March, reconstruction work will start on Hayes Drive between Cornell Drive and Richards Drive. The public can expect parking restrictions, lane shifts, and detours of pedestrian paths.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and construction signage when entering and driving through work zones, to please obey the posted speed limits, and to be on the alert for workers and equipment as well as pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists.
8/25/2021 Update from Chicago Park District
Gates at Wooded Island
Gates will be installed on the north and south bridges that provide access to the Wooded Island and the Japanese Garden at Jackson Park. The gates will help secure the area and protect these historic and valuable assets from off-hours activity. The gates will be installed on Thursday, August 26 & Friday, August 27. Once installed, the gates will be closed in line with existing park hours.
NOTE: During construction, lane closures will be set up, removed daily and adjusted as needed throughout the day. These lane closures will ALWAYS make available one lane in each direction for public use. Additional announcements regarding next steps will be forthcoming.
8/16/2021 Update from Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation officially begins work on the Obama Presidential Center after a years-long planning and review process. Roadway improvements will continue and construction will begin within the 19.3 acre site of the Center that sits within the 550 acre Jackson Park.
Starting this morning, Cornell Drive will begin to be narrowed from six lanes to four lanes between 59th Street and Hayes Drive. At the same time, the easternmost block of South Midway Plaisance, between Stony Island Avenue and Cornell Drive, will be permanently closed.
Motorists that previously used South Midway Plaisance to connect to Cornell Drive will be directed to an alternate route. For northbound motorists, from August 16 to no later than September 2, drivers will need to turn left and go north on Stony Island Avenue and continue up to 57th Street, then turn right on 57th Street to connect up to Cornell Drive and, if desired, continue up to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Starting no later than September 2, those drivers will still need to turn left and go north on Stony Island Avenue, but only to North Midway Plaisance.
The long-term traffic plan for this area is for North Midway Plaisance to be converted to two-way traffic, and eastbound motorists will then be able to drive “up” North Midway Plaisance from Stony Island Avenue to Cornell Drive. There will be a new signalized intersection at North Midway Plaisance and Cornell Drive.
Ultimately, these new traffic configurations will create better pedestrian connections between the adjacent community, Jackson Park and the lakefront, and better connect currently separated areas of Jackson Park to one another.
CDOT suggests motorists consider the following alternate routes:
For traffic heading to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive:
55th Street/Garfield Boulevard to the Dan Ryan/I-90/94 and northbound to I-55 and eastbound to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Cottage Grove to 47th Street and eastbound to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive
For traffic heading southbound:
55th Street/Garfield Boulevard to the southbound Dan Ryan/I-90/94
63rd Street eastbound to Hayes Drive and southbound on either Stony Island or South Shore Drive
8/13/2021 Update from CDOT
On Monday, August 16th, the following changes will take place:
South Midway Plaisance between Stony Island Avenue and Cornell Drive, which runs eastbound, will be permanently closed and included in the footprint of the OPC.
Eastbound traffic on South Midway Plaisance heading to northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be temporarily routed north on Stony Island and then east at 57th Street.
Eastbound Midway Plaisance traffic looking to go southbound will be directed to southbound Stony Island.
This temporary configuration is expected to remain in place for up to two weeks until North Midway Plaisance is converted to handle two lanes of traffic in each direction between Cornell Drive and Stony Island.
Motorists are advised to use alternate routes to avoid anticipated delays.
These are the first steps in allowing for the construction of the OPC and will set the stage for a series of future transportation improvements to be undertaken by CDOT that will be starting this fall that are intended to make Jackson Park, the OPC and the nearby Museum of Science and Industry into a world class destination on par with the City’s Museum Campus on the lakefront. The plan will increase green space, improve connectivity and safety for pedestrians and people biking, and accommodate existing and future traffic demand.
6/28/2021 Update from Obama Foundation
Beginning today, Cornell Drive will be reduced to 2 lanes in each direction. One southbound lane has been closed, and one northbound lane will be closed later in the day. This activity marks the start of 6-7 weeks of preparatory work to remove the existing median on Cornell Drive and install a new one.
The Foundation is carrying out this construction activity with Lakeside Alliance, who has subcontracted work to Certified Minority-Owned (MBE), Women-Owned (WBE), and Disadvantaged (DBE) electrical company City Lights. This work has been approved and permitted by the Chicago Department of Transportation.
6/8/2021 Update from Chicago Park District
Construction Status
Construction work has begun on the utility crossing at Stony Island Avenue between the eastbound and westbound Midway Plaisance Drives.
The northbound curb lane of Cornell Drive and the pedestrian sidewalk east of Cornell Drive is also closed to allow for the utility work.
5/24/2021 Update from Chicago Park District
Construction Status
Construction work on eastbound Midway Plaisance Drive will continue this week for the contractor to complete roadway restoration at the location of the utility crossing.
The northbound curb lane of Cornell Drive is now closed in order to allow for the utility work. Additional lane closures have begun on Cornell Drive this week to allow for the utility crossing.
5/11/2021 Update from Chicago Park District
Construction Status
Construction work on eastbound Midway Plaisance Drive will continue this week with utility work crossing all lanes of eastbound Midway Plaisance, just west of Stony Island Ave. Utility work is also anticipated to begin crossing Cornell Drive the week of May 17th.
4/27/2021 Update from Chicago Park District
Construction Status
Construction work on eastbound Midway Plaisance Drive and Stony Island Avenue began this week. This is a moving operation with construction flaggers and rolling lane closures.
Upcoming Lane Closures
Midway Plaisance Drive (Eastbound) - Lane closures projected to begin today, and last for approximately one week.
Stony Island Avenue– Lane closures projected to begin on May 10, for approximately one and a half weeks.
3/16/2021 Update from Chicago Park District
This spring, the Chicago Park District will begin utility relocation work and resume track and field work in Jackson Park. The utility work includes relocating an electrical line, a sewer line and a water line below-ground between Midway and Hayes.
The utility relocation work will occur alongside streets or sidewalks around the edges of the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) site, or south of the OPC site. The existing track and field on that site will remain available for use.
The Park District also has a partially-completed a new track and field project at the corner of Stony Island and Hayes. As the site has been sitting dormant since 2018, we need to review the current site condition and determine if remedial work is needed prior to completing the full scope of work.
The target start date for commencing both the utility work and the track and field work is April 1st, weather permitting. However, as early as Wednesday, March 17th, residents may see staff and contractors out on these sites so that they can assess the sites and prepare for the upcoming work.
Additional announcements regarding next steps will be forthcoming.