Street closures reported in downtown Chicago amid celebrations – NBC Chicago

Chicago officials had cautioned drivers and residents earlier in the week they would implement closures if needed amid celebrations of Mexican Independence Day, and some closures are in effect Saturday night.

Chicago officials have restricted access into the Central Business District due to vehicle congestion caused by Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

According to officials with the Office of Emergency Management and Communication, the restriction applies to all areas between Halsted Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with the northern boundary at Division Street and the southern boundary at 18th Street.

Individuals who live or work in the impacted area, and all critical care workers, will be permitted access at designated checkpoints:

Halsted/Division

Halsted/Chicago

Halsted/Washington

Halsted/Madison

Halsted/Jackson

Division/LaSalle

Roosevelt/Canal

Desplaines/Canal

18th/State

18th/Michigan

18th/Indiana

The following exit ramps are also closed to limit access into the downtown area.

Eisenhower Expressway

-Outbound ramp to Ashland Avenue

Dan Ryan Expressway

-Inbound ramp to eastbound Byrne Interchange

Kennedy Expressway

-Inbound ramp to Ohio Street

-Inbound off-ramp to eastbound Byrne Interchange

-Ohio Feeder Ramp between the Kennedy and Orleans Street

Stevenson Expressway

-Inbound ramp to King Drive

-Inbound ramp to DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Celebrations of Mexican Independence Day, which include car caravans, are expected to continue throughout evenings this weekend, with city officials cautioning of closures and even limited access into the downtown business district.

The El Grito Festival is also ongoing in Chicago’s Grant Park, with music, food and a variety of celebrations.

Jackson is closed between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive for the festival, according to officials.

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