Fully reopening the Loop to vehicle traffic following a several-mile NASCAR takeover could take another 10 days, despite some key downtown streets being reopened and some road barriers being removed since early Monday.
City officials said that DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive were being given top priority for reopening, though certain inner-perimeter street closures are expected to remain in effect until July 13.
All NASCAR track wall, fencing, viewing structures and other infrastructure should be taken down by July 15.
The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication will be notifying residents and visitors as the reopening continues. More information about day-by-day reopening efforts is available online.
[ [Don’t miss] NASCAR in Chicago was ‘a commercial for the city,’ but is it worthy of a 2024 repeat? ]
- All street closures are expected to remain in effect as demobilization of the track wall, fence and viewing structures takes place.
- Track wall removal begins and park areas vacated.
Reopening of roads
- Columbus Drive between Roosevelt Road and Jackson Boulevard
- Ida B. Wells Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive after track wall removal
- Intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive after track wall removal
Reopening of roads
- Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Jackson Boulevard after remaining track wall removed
- Curb lane on northbound Columbus Drive
Reopening of roads
- Balbo Drive between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore drives, including sidewalks
Reopening of roads and sidewalks
- Priority streets for reopening are DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.
- Southbound Columbus Drive between Jackson Boulevard and Balbo Drive: Stripped parking designation and President’s Paddock Club removed, park area and sidewalk along west side of Columbus Drive vacated.
- Activity is expected to conclude by July 15.
