Significant Street Closures in Chicago Ahead of NASCAR Race

Introduction:

With the highly anticipated NASCAR street race in Chicago just around the corner, significant street closures are being implemented in preparation for the event. These closures will affect various areas around the race circuit and will be in effect leading up to and during the race days. Here is an overview of the street closures and their respective dates.

1. Preparations Begin (June 25):

- Jackson Drive is closed between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

- Columbus Drive is closed between Jackson Drive and Roosevelt Road.

2. Initial Closures (June 29):

- Ida B. Wells Drive is closed east of Michigan Avenue.

- Balbo Street is closed between Michigan Avenue and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

3. Additional Closures (June 30):

- Lane closures on eastbound Roosevelt Road commence.

- Congress Plaza Drive is closed.

4. Restricted Access (June 29 - Race Days):

- Access to certain streets, including 8th Street, 9th Street, 11th Street, and Harrison Street, will be limited to residents and businesses only.

5. Michigan Avenue Restrictions (June 29 - Race Days):

- Only residents and business employees are allowed access to Michigan Avenue between Roosevelt Road and Balbo Drive (northbound side) and between Monroe and Jackson (southbound side).

Chicago residents are no strangers to road closures or construction, especially around holidays or major events. This year though, one event will soon close a big chunk of DuSable Lake Shore Drive in both directions: The NACAR Chicago Street Race.

This weekend, DuSable Lake Shore Drive will be closed in both directions between the Field Museum to just south of the Chicago River for the first-ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which takes place July 1 and 2 in and around Grant Park.

Before that, lanes will be reduced as a "merging taper" will be in place beginning Wednesday.

Tips for Residents:

- It is recommended for residents to use Randolph Street as an alternative route between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive during the race preparation process.

- For further information and a complete list of closures, refer to NASCAR's website.

Closure Schedule:

June 26:

- Congress Plaza Drive closes.

- Lane closures on eastbound Roosevelt Road between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

June 27:

- Curb lane on southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes between Balbo Drive and Roosevelt Road for track barrier installation.

June 28:

- Southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes between Randolph Street and McFetridge Road from 8 p.m.

- Lane closures on northbound Michigan Avenue between Van Buren and Jackson begin.

- Jackson Drive closes between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

- Monroe Street closes between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.

- Columbus Drive closes between Jackson Drive and Monroe Street.

June 29:

- Northbound Michigan Avenue closes between Balbo and Jackson from 8 p.m.

- Roosevelt Road closes in both directions between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive from 10 p.m.

- Lanes on southbound Michigan Avenue close between Balbo and Jackson.

June 30:

- Southbound Michigan Avenue closes between Balbo and Jackson from 5 p.m.

July 1:

- Northbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive closes between McFetridge and Randolph as a safety precaut,

Conclusion:

As the NASCAR street race in Chicago draws near, significant street closures are being implemented to ensure the safety and smooth operation of the event. These closures will affect various streets surrounding Grant Park, where the race will take place. Residents, businesses, and visitors are advised to plan their travel accordingly and make use of alternative routes during this period. Road reopenings will commence on July 2, with full deconstruction and reopening expected byj