Chicago Drivers Daily Road & Traffic Alert — Saturday, September 26, 2026

Saturday’s main verified impacts are continuing construction restrictions in the Loop, on the Kennedy Expressway and across several suburban Tollway corridors. Weekend traffic can build quickly near work zones, so choose detours before reaching a closure.

DOWNTOWN CHICAGO

• Southbound State Street, Wacker Drive to Randolph Street: This block remains listed as closed, with no confirmed reopening time. Drivers entering the Loop from the north should use another southbound route before reaching Wacker.

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOODS

• Northbound Jeffery Boulevard, 73rd to 75th streets: Construction continues to reroute the J14, 15 and N5 buses through October 26 at 8 p.m. CTA does not confirm a full closure to regular vehicles. Expect localized delays and follow posted work-zone directions.

• 47th Street near Damen and Ashland: The #47 bus is rerouted in both directions via 51st Street through November 11 at 7 p.m. The agency notice indicates a disruption but does not identify a full street closure. Approach the corridor cautiously.

HIGHWAYS AND AIRPORT APPROACHES

• Outbound Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94), Division Street to Addison Street: Two main outbound lanes remain closed at a time during the Stage 2 configuration, while outbound reversible express lanes remain available. Multiple ramps remain closed, including outbound exits to Augusta/Milwaukee, Addison and Damen, plus the Fullerton and Kimball entrance ramps. Follow the posted detours.

• I-294 near O’Hare: Construction at the O’Hare North Toll Plaza keeps traffic shifted with no shoulders available into 2026. Allow extra time for airport trips and do not stop along the shifted roadway.

SUBURBS

• Franklin Avenue/Green Street, York Road to Runge Street: All traffic is using the westbound side, with one lane maintained in each direction through the end of 2026. Drivers through Bensenville and Franklin Park should expect reduced capacity.

• Deerfield Road over I-94 and Sanders Road over I-294: Each bridge remains limited to one lane per direction through fall. The Techny Road left turn onto Sanders Road is also closed, and a long-term detour is posted. Leave added space around merging traffic.

Official sources: CTA bus alerts https://www.transitchicago.com/travel-information/bus-status/ (opens in a new tab) ; IDOT Kennedy project https://idot.illinois.gov/programs-and-projects/featured-projects/cook-county---interstate-90-kennedy-bridge-study.html (opens in a new tab) ; Tollway plaza repairs https://agency.illinoistollway.com/systemwide/toll-plaza-repairs (opens in a new tab) ; Franklin Avenue project https://agency.illinoistollway.com/i-490/franklin-avenue-interchange-project (opens in a new tab) ; Tri-State repairs https://agency.illinoistollway.com/projects/tri-state/roadway-and-bridge-repairs (opens in a new tab)