Illinois' Department of Transportation started a new configuration on the inbound Kennedy this week and it appears to be causing some dangerous confusion for drivers.
The change began over the weekend on the southbound side of the expressway near Washington Boulevard as part of the ongoing Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction, according to IDOT.
There are still five lanes and exits will remain the same, but three inbound through lanes now split after Washington Boulevard.
"The left two inbound lanes will continue in their current configuration, while the third inbound lane will shift slightly to the right onto new pavement and will merge back into traffic just before Harrison Street," IDOT said in a release.
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IDOT said the new configuration will allow center lanes to be built between Washington Boulevard and Polk Street and it will remain in place through early December, warning of "significant delays" through the area.
"Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment," IDOT stated.
Local
Footage from an NBC 5 photographer Tuesday showed drivers confused by the new configuration, many making last-minute lane changes that nearly caused a number of collisions during the morning rush hour.
NBC 5 reached out to IDOT for comment on the confusion but has not yet received a response.
