Eastbound I-290/Ida B. Wells Drive

Construction began in October 2017 to reconstruct the Eastbound I-290 mainline lanes, the Eastbound I-290 bridge over I-90/94, and the Ida B. Wells Drive viaduct.

The 4th lane of the Eisenhower is anticipated to reopen in the Spring of 2020. The new lane configuration will be as follows: two left lanes will continue to Ida B. Wells Drive, the center-right lane will go to the outbound Dan Ryan, and the far right lane will go to Taylor Street for the outbound Kennedy detour.

The limits of the work extend from east of Loomis Street to east of Canal Street. Eastbound I-290 features include:

Full pavement and median barrier wall reconstruction
New retaining wall on the south side of I-290
Repairs to existing retaining wall along the CTA Blue Line and entrance to the subway tunnel
Repairs to Canal Street exit ramp
Drainage, high mast interchange lighting, signaling, landscaping, and pavement marking improvements

During construction, three lanes are maintained along Eastbound I-290 mainline at most times. All lane restrictions will be performed using lane widths of at least 10 feet. Lanes were initially shifted north from Loomis Street to Halsted Street in order to construct the retaining walls and pavement along the south side. Then east of Halsted Street, lanes were shifted south to construct the north half of the bridges. Several ramp closures are occurring throughout construction and detours will be put into place accordingly.

Lane closures, changes in traffic patterns, reductions in the speed limit and the presence of workers and equipment create an environment that demands drivers refrain from behavior that could create a distraction. The rules are very simple: See orange. Slow down. Save lives.

The Department appreciates your patience and understanding as we work to improve the multi-modal connections in your community. If you have questions or comments regarding construction activities, please submit via Contact Us. Sign-up on our email list to receive construction announcements.