Busy Weekend in Chicago Will Likely Mean Big Traffic Delays

Commuters in the Chicago area have a lot going against them this weekend.

With the Cubs’ first games of the postseason at Wrigley Field, President Obama in town, Kanye West performing numerous weekend shows and the Chicago Marathon taking over more than 20 miles of the city, getting around certainly won’t be easy.

The first of the traffic woes began after President Obama arrived in the city just after noon. [[396376411, C]]

After landing at O’Hare Airport in Air Force One, Obama then took Marine One to Soldier Field where he was expected to head to two Chicago events during the afternoon.

With his first event being on the North Side, commuters took to social media to report rolling closures in the area before 1 p.m. Obama’s final event ended during rush hour in the city, causing rolling closures wherever he goes as the motorcade will continue to do all weekend long. 

The White House has confirmed that the president will stay in his Hyde Park residence overnight.

Additionally, Obama’s press secretary, Josh Earnest, was asked Wednesday if the president plans to attend either of the Chicago Cubs playoff games at Wrigley Field. Earnest didn’t explicitly respond to the question, but said the president is “looking forward to tracking their progress through the payoffs,” despite his allegiance to the White Sox. [[396312031, C]]

With Cubs fever hitting the city, and its roadways, there’s no doubt traffic, particularly in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood, will be on the rise.

After racking up a Friday win over the Giants, the team returns to Wrigley Field Saturday night for the second night game this weekend in their first postseason series.

Officials are urging people to arrive at least two and a half hours before the game begins if they want to see the first pitch.

They’re also advising fans to use public transportation.

Fans can be dropped off or picked up by limousine and car services, including Uber and Lyft, Irving Park Road between Clark and Seminary (east of Clark).

The Chicago Transit Authority is advising fans to take the Red Line to the Addison station or the Sheridan stop just blocks from the park. Loop-bound Purple Line Express trains will also make stops at both of those stations during weeknight evening rush periods.

Yellow Line trains will operate from Howard to Skokie until midnight during night games as well. On Friday, the trains will continue until 1 a.m., however.

For a full list of parking restrictions click here

Travelers will also likely see increased traffic near the United Center and Allstate Arena as Kanye West is set to perform at both venues this weekend.

Finally, marking the final and arguably largest round of closures in the city this weekend is the Chicago Marathon.

Streets will close along the marathon route between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Oct. 9, reopening as soon as the final runners pass through (at a 15-minute mile pace). Click here for a full list of street closures.

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