This week, streets were closed in Chicago for the 2024 Democratic National Convention while emergency crews began erecting security fences, but things are set to get worse for the city’s commuters.
A full street closure is planned around McCormick Place starting Friday night, and the United Center is scheduled to be closed Saturday night, the two sites hosting the main DNC events next week.
“Residents are asked to plan accordingly and allow additional travel time during setup and during the week of the convention,” officials said.
On Monday morning, road closures around both venues were introduced for the first time.
“Residents must expect temporary traffic disruptions in the areas around the two conference sites, as there may be limited parking, temporary road closures and possibly even complete road closures,” says a press release from representatives of the conference site.
In addition to the fence closures, additional closures are expected during the week of the convention.
The DNC will take place from August 19 to 22.
This came shortly after Vice President Kamala Harris officially secured the Democratic nomination, following an upheaval within the Democratic Party that began with President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race.
Here are the road closures planned for each location before the DNC:
United Center – Temporary expansion of security fencing
Subject to change
Monday, August 12
· 6:00 a.m.: No parking (on the verges) in all built-up areas along the security perimeter.
Monday, August 12th – Saturday, August 17th
· 8:00 a.m.: Start of the erection and installation of the fences. Expect that verges and entire streets and alleys will be closed if necessary.
Saturday, August 17
· United Center road closures will begin at 7:00 p.m. along the restricted area (safety measures will be in place).
United Center Fencing: Construction and Installation – Parking Restrictions and Road Closures:
- Monday – Expansion to Washington: Damen to Wood, Wolcott between Washington and Warren; Paulina: Monroe to Adams
- Tuesday – Expansion to Washington: Damen to Wood; Wood: Washington to Warren; Warren between Wood and Paulina
- Wednesday – Expansion to Damen: Washington to Warren; Warren: Damen to Hoyne; Hoyne: Warren to Madison
- Thursday – Expansion to Adams: Women to Wood
- Friday– Expansion to Madison: Hoyne to Seeley; Seeley: Madison to Adams; Damen: Adams to Jackson; Monroe: Wood to Paulina.
Friday, August 23
1 a.m.: Dismantling begins. Once it is completed, the streets will be opened.
McCormick Place – Temporary expansion of security perimeter
Subject to change
Monday, August 12
· 6:00 a.m.: No parking (on the verges) in all built-up areas along the security perimeter.
· 9:00 a.m.: Fence construction begins. Partial closure of the roadside is expected.
Tuesday, August 13 – Friday, August 16
· 00:01 The erection of the fences begins. If necessary, roadside verges and streets and alleys will be closed completely.
Friday, August 16
· 10:00 p.m.: Road closures begin at McCormick Place, limited perimeter (safety measures will be implemented).
McCormick Place Fencing: Preparation and installation of parking restrictions and road closures:
- Tuesday – Expansion on 24.th Location: Michigan to McCormick Place; Indiana: 24th Space up to 24th 24.th St; Michigan to Indiana; Michigan: 24th Space up to 25th St.; MLK Drive: McCormick until 25th St.
- Wednesday – Expansion in Indiana: 24th Place at Cermak; Cermak: Indiana to McCormick; 25th St. at MLK Dr & McCormick
- Thursday – Expansion to McCormick: Cermak to MLK Dr.
Thursday, August 22
6:00 p.m. Dismantling begins. As soon as it is completed, the streets will be opened.
