The Monroe Street Bridge over the Kennedy Expressway will close for a year and a half starting on Monday at 9 p.m.—a closure that’s part of a much larger push to rebuild the entire interchange.
The closure from Halsted to Des Plaines is a part of the larger Jane Byrne Interchange project, an effort to rebuild and widen the structure, adjust ramps, improve drainage and add sidewalk space.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, its goal is to reduce congestion in half of what is typically seen at the transition point.
Chicago resident Rochelle Battle, who works near the area, said she supports the city’s effort to improve infrastructure.
“I trust them, I mean if they need to close it for year and a half to make it safe ... I guess that’s just what they have to do,” said Tim Niehoff who also works by the area that will soon be under construction.
The other long-term closures include the ramp from the inbound Ryan to eastbound Congress, as well as the inbound Kennedy ramp to eastbound Congress.
