The 2024 Democratic National Convention begins next week and final preparations are underway as another series of road closures are set to go into effect Saturday night.
Major closures include the closure of Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Exit ramps from the northbound lanes of Interstate 55, including the I-55 turnaround lane, will be closed to all vehicles except those authorized by the U.S. Secret Service.
“Detour, detour all day long,” said Robert Lockhart as he waited for a ride on the Near West Side. “When you come to this area, be prepared to say, ‘Oh man, the traffic is coming, so let me take that into account.'”
Because most major DNC events take place at the United Center, closures are common in Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood. However, closures also apply near McCormick Place, where other events are taking place.
Starting Saturday at 7:00 p.m., the following closures will apply on the Near West Side:
- Madison Street from North Hoyne Avenue to North Paulina Street
- Damen Avenue from West Lake Street to West Van Buren
- Adams Street from South Damen Avenue to Paulina Street
- Washington Street from North Damen Avenue to North Wood Street
Regarding the impact on traffic near McCormick Place, two safety checkpoints for vehicles in the area were put into operation Friday evening.
One of the checkpoints is located at South Indiana Avenue and 18th Street, the other near Wabash Avenue and Cermak Road.
Residents and visitors to the area must also expect the following closures from 7 p.m. on Saturday:
- Indiana Avenue from 18th to East 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Jr. Drive
- 23rd Street from Wabash to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Jr. Drive
- MLK Jr. ride from Cermak Road to 25th Street
- East 21st Street is closed from South Michigan Avenue to South Calumet Avenue. Note: East 21st Street will be open west of South Michigan Avenue to and including South Wabash Avenue and East 21st Street.
No trucks or vehicles larger than cars are allowed on I-55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in either direction.
