May 17, 2024

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Alderman Reilly Reports

Alderman Reilly's Statement: Update on Clark Street Expanded Outdoor Dining

“Over the past several weeks, I have been negotiating with the Mayor’s Office, the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection and the Department of Transportation regarding the future of the Clark Street Outdoor Dining Program.


During those negotiations, I pressed the Johnson Administration for the total closure of the street to vehicular traffic: to once again transform Clark Street into a pedestrian-friendly space for all to enjoy.


I conducted a survey of 3,000 registered voters in River North regarding the street closure and 87% of local residents said they supported the full closure of Clark Street - while only 12% opposed it.


Just two weeks ago, the city departments proposed a compromise: curb-lane closures from May until July with a transition to a full closure and “pedestrianization” of Clark Street at the conclusion of the NASCAR street race - from mid-July to October 1st. That was not my preference, but I was willing to accept that as a fair compromise.


Unfortunately, the Mayor’s Office rejected that compromise this week. Instead, permits were issued to the restaurants to only occupy the parking lanes on Clark Street between Grand Avenue and Kinzie Street.


After learning of this decision, I sent this letter to the City of Chicago’s Chief Operating Officer, John Roberson, to inform him of my opposition to that plan and request he reconsider the permit conditions.”

Ohio Place Dog Park Update

The Chicago Department of Transportation has completed hydroseeding at the Ohio Place Dog Park. The Park will be closed for three weeks to allow the new grass to grow uninterrupted.

Our office encourages you to use the Larrabee Street Dog Park during the closure.

42nd Ward "Curb Your Dog" Signage

Our office frequently receives requests to have “Curb Your Dog” signs installed throughout the 42nd Ward - due to dog owners not cleaning up after their pets. Unfortunately, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) discontinued manufacturing these signs several years ago. 


In response to feedback from neighbors, Alderman Reilly purchased “Curb Your Dog” yard signs. We have a limited number of signs that will be provided to residents on a first-come-first-served basis. 


If you are interested in picking up a yard sign, please contact our office at 312-744-3062. 

Resurfacing Project: North Lake Shore Drive to Begin Monday, May 13

As part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) 2024 Arterial Resurfacing program, CDOT began roadwork in advance of resurfacing portions of Lake Shore Drive. Pavement patching and other repairs will occur throughout May and June.  Resurfacing is scheduled to take place this fall.


The first phase of the project is expected to last until late June and will impact the following sections of Lake Shore Drive:


  • Northbound lanes from Lawrence Avenue to Hollywood Avenue
  • Southbound lanes from Hollywood Avenue to LaSalle Drive.


Upcoming lane closures:


On Monday, May 20 to Friday, May 24, two southbound traffic lanes between Hollywood Avenue and LaSalle Drive will be closed to traffic (9:30am to 4:00pm). One lane will remain closed

continuously throughout the week.


Stay tuned to Reilly Reports for future updates on this project. 

Life Time Spring Half Marathon

The Life Time Spring Half Marathon kicks off on Sunday, May 19th at 7:00 a.m. and the

10-K will start at 7:45 a.m. Both races begin on Columbus Drive, south of Monroe Street, and then follow the lakefront trail.


Please see below for a list of street closures:

  • The Randolph eastbound curb lane will be closed from Field Blvd to Columbus starting at 8:00 a.m.
  • All Monroe lanes will be closed from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Columbus starting at 3:00 a.m.
  • All northbound and southbound Columbus lanes will be closed from Randolph to Congress starting at 3:00 a.m.
  • All Columbus lanes will be closed from Congress to Roosevelt starting at 6:00 a.m.
  • The northbound Randolph exit will be closed from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Randolph starting at 7:00 a.m.
  • Intermediate Randolph eastbound lanes will be closed from DuSable Lake Shore Drive to Columbus starting at 6:00 a.m.


Suenos Music Festival

On Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26, Suenos Music Festival will return to Grant Park. Please see the information on closures below:


Dog Park Closure

The Grant Bark Park will be open and accessible via the 11th Street bridge until Friday, May 24th and will reopen Monday, May 27th. During this time, There will be a temporary dog park available for use southeast of the Skate Park.

While Grant Bark Park is closed we recommend visiting other Dog Friendly Areas near Grant Park!

  • Fred Anderson Park, Lake Shore East Park and Montgomery Ward Park are the closest Dog Friendly Areas near Grant Park
  • Pritzker Park is the closest park green space where dogs can be walked on a leash.


Street and Sidewalk Closures

Street Closures

  • Balbo from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: May 15th – May 30th
  • Columbus, from Ida B Wells to Roosevelt: May 23rd – May 27th
  • Balbo, from Michigan to Columbus: May 23rd – May 27th

Sidewalk Closures

  • Michigan, from Jackson to Roosevelt: May 25th – 26th
  • Balbo (both sides, from Columbus to DuSable Lake Shore Drive: May 15th – May 30th
  • Balbo (both sides), from Michigan to Columbus: May 23rd – May 27th
  • Columbus (both sides), from Roosevelt to Balbo: May 15th – May 30th
  • Columbus (both sides), from Balbo to Ida B Welss: May 23rd – May 27th
  • DuSable Lake Shore Drive (Southbound side), from Buckingham Fountain to Roosevelt: May 22nd – May 28th
  • Congress Plaza Dr, from Michigan to Columbus: May 25th – May 26th


Pedestrian access will remain available from 11th St. through Columbus and Lake Shore Drive Tunnels to/from Museum Campus. Metra Access near the 11th St. Bridge will remain available throughout the event. Columbus is subject to closure at the discretion of city officials.

Gold Coast Water Main Project

The Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) will begin the Oak Street (Rush to Michigan) portion of their project on Monday, May 20. While working on Oak Street, eastbound traffic will be maintain but westbound traffic will be prohibited. Additionally, No Parking Two Zone signs will be posted on the south side of the street. The portion of the project is expected to last a month (weather dependent)


DWM continue to work on Rush Street, from Walton to Bellevue. Traffic will remain closed next week along this stretch of Rush Street.


Please click here to view a three week lookahead for this project.

CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / CAPS018District@chicagopolice.org)

  • Beat 1831 CAPS meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 5pm.
  • Beat 1832 CAPS meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 21st at 6pm.
  • Beat 1833 CAPS meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at 5pm.
  • Beat 1834 CAPS meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23rd at 6pm.


Click here for 18th District meeting locations.


1st District: (312-745-4381 / CAPS001District@chicagopolice.org)

  • There are no CAPS meeting for this district for the remainder of the month.


A Message from Chicago DNC 2024 Near North Neighborhood Ambassador

"Hi - My name is Susan Cotton and I am honored to be the Near North Neighborhood Ambassador to the upcoming DNC through the DNC Host Committee. As one of the thousands of volunteers representing all 77 neighborhoods, I look forward to helping showcase our city and make this the most successful convention in history! As you know we will be welcoming 50,000 visitors to Chicago during the convention.  


Volunteers will play a critical role in bringing the Convention to life - welcoming guests, introducing the city, ushering at events, providing transportation and much more." 

LaSalle Street Visioning Public Open House

This May and June, the City of Chicago is inviting members of the public to envision a more welcoming LaSalle Street by contributing to the LaSalle Street Visioning initiative.


Join the Department of Planning and Development at an Open House event later this month to share your ideas for sidewalks, green space, lighting, public art, and more along the corridor! LaSalle Street Visioning is a collaborative planning effort to set a new direction for the publicly accessible parts of LaSalle Street between the Riverwalk and Jackson.


The Open House will take place 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, May 29, at The Rookery Lobby, 209 S. LaSalle St.


Click here to register.

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Crane Lift: 40 E Cedar


On Tuesday, May 21, there will be a crane lift at 40 E Cedar Street. During the lift, vehicular access on Cedar, from Rush to 51 E Cedar will be prohibited.


Crane Lift 839 N Dearborn:


On Wednesday, May 22, there will be a crane lift at 839 N Dearborn. One lane of traffic will be open during the lift between Chicago and Dearborn. Cyclists should merge with vehicular traffic for this stretch of Dearborn.


Expansion Joint Repair - Wacker & Stetson


The City's Department of Transportation will be replacing the roadway and sidewalk expansion joints at the intersection of Wacker Drive and Stetson Avenue. 


The construction project is underway and will go through approximately June 24, 2024. 


All work will be performed during the day. Construction will occur in phases. Part of the roadway will be closed to traffic however once way traffic will be maintained through the duration of the project. At least one sidewalk will be open to pedestrian traffic during construction. Once the work is completed on one side of the roadway and sidewalk, the closures will switch over to the other side during the next phase.


Protected Bike Lane Installation: East Side of Clark, from Oak to Grand


The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is expanding its protected bike lane network throughout the City. They have decided to install a southbound protected bike lane on the east side of North Clark Street, between West Oak Street and West Grand Avenue. This bike lane will connect to the westbound bike lane on the north side of West Grand Avenue.


CDOT's Scope of Work:

  • Swap the location of the existing bike lane and parking lane. The bike lane will be adjacent to the curb and the parking lane will be between a lane of traffic and the bike lane.
  • Install bicycle signals (select intersections).
  • Install pedestrian bump-outs/refuge space.


Please click here to review CDOT's site plans. Work is currently underway.



Filming


Photoshoot:


On Wednesday, May 22nd, a photoshoot will be filming exterior scenes at 222 N wells. During filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations: 


  • Wednesday, May 22nd at 12PM through Thursday, May 23rd at 5AM:
  • Both Sides of Wells St from Wacker Dr to Haddock Pl


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Carly Katz, 847-651-9182


River North Filming:


Near Montgomery Ward Park


Bark Bark Productions will be filming a commercial in your River North.

 

Wednesday May 22 from 3 am – 9 pm

  • Both Sides Of Sedgwick From Superior To Huron
  • North Side Of Huron From 359 W Huron St To Hudson Ave
  • South Side Of Superior St From Sedgwick To 419 W Superior St

 

Permits and traffic control, if required, are being coordinated by the Chicago Film Office and the Chicago Police Department. We will NOT block driveways, loading zones, fire hydrants, bus stops or disabled parking zones. If you have additional questions regarding this or other filming in Chicago, please contact the City of Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415.

 

If you have any questions, concerns or special needs, PLEASE CONTACT:

Location Manager: Mono Wilborn (773) 525-2326 or Asst. Location Manager: Luis Perez (773) 938-3358



Windy City Law


On Thursday, May 23rd, a "Windy City Law" will be filming exterior scenes at 666 N Orleans. During prep, filming, and wrap up parking will be prohibited at the following locations: 


  • Wednesday, May 22nd from 5AM to 7PM
  • West Side of Orleans from Huron St to Erie St
  • South Side of Huron St from Sedgwick St to Franklin St
  • Thursday, May 23rd at 12PM through Friday, May 24th at 1PM:
  • South Side of Erie St from Orleans St to Sedgwick St
  • North Side of Erie St from Orleans St to Franklin St
  • West Side of Orleans St from Huron St to Erie St
  • South Side of Huron St from Hudson St to Franklin St
  • Both sides of Sedgwick St from Chicago Ave to Locust St
  • North Side of Huron St from Orleans St to Franklin St


Please note that there will be a Sidewalk Closure on Thursday May 23, from 12PM until Friday May 24 at 1PM on the West Side of Orleans St from Huron St to Erie St and on the East Side of Orleans St from Huron St to Erie St. There will also be a closure of the alley west of Orleans from Huron to Sedgwick from Thursday May 23 from 12PM through Friday May 24 at 1PM. 


If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Maria Roxas, 312-282-0783, or Gilbert Morales, 312-399-9401


Power Book Scene 1:


On Thursday, May 23rd, a "Power Book IV: Force" will be filming interior and exterior scenes at 66 W Kinzie. During prep, filming, and wrap up parking will be prohibited at the following locations: 


  • Wednesday, May 22nd at 5AM through Friday, May 24th at 5PM (non-rush hours)
  • East Side of LaSalle from Kinzie to Hubbard
  • Thursday, May 23rd at 5AM through 11PM:
  • East Side of Dearborn from Kinzie to Hubbard
  • Both Sides of Kinzie from Clark to Dearborn (except Bario outdoor dining)
  • East Side of Clark St from Kinzie south to 353 N Clark (Clark St Bridge)
  • Both Sides of Kinzie from State to Lower Wabash (separate leaflet)


Please note there will be a closure of the alley behind 408 N Clark St on Thursday May 23 from 4PM to 7PM. 



Power Book Scene 2


On Thursday, May 23rd, a "Power Book IV: Force" will be filming exterior scenes at 222 W Ontario St. During prep, filming, and wrap up parking will be prohibited at the following locations: 


  • Wednesday, May 22nd at 5AM through Friday, May 24th at 5PM
  • East Side of Franklin from Ontario to Erie
  • Thursday, May 23rd at 5AM through Friday, May 24th at 5AM:
  • South Side of Erie St from Franklin St to Orleans St
  • Both Sides of Franklin St from Ontario to Erie
  • Both Sides of Erie from Franklin to Wells


Please note there will be a closure of the alley north of 222 W Ontario from Thursday May 23 from 7:30PM through Friday May 24 at 2AM. 



Wendella Filming



On Thursday, May 23, a crew will be filming scenes on a Wendella boat. During the filming, parking will be prohibited at the following locations:


  • Both sides of Lower Hubbard, from Wabash to Michigan (4am to 4pm)
  • West side of Rush, from Illinois to Kinzie (4am to 4pm)

Crane Lift - 679 N Michigan


On Saturday, May 18, from 8am to 4pm, there will be a crane lift at 679 N Michigan Avenue. During the lift , the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the south side of Huron, from Michigan Avenue to a point 100' east thereof
  • Curb and Traffic lane on Huron, from Michigan to a point 100' east thereof


Crane Lift - 474 N Lake Shore Drive


Stevenson Crane was hired to set a cell antenna on the roof at 474 N LSD. They will conduct the lift on Tuesday, May 22, from 8am to 5pm. 


During the lift, the following will be closed:


  • Sidewalk on the south side of of Illinois, from LSD to a point 200' west thereof
  • Curb and traffic lane on the south side of Illinois, from LSD to a point 200' west thereof


The curb lane on the northside of Illinois will become a drive lane and the bike lane will be shifted north but remain open. 

Demolition Project: 720 North Wells Street / 207 West Superior Street


Milburn Demolition will began demolition of 720 North Wells Street and 207 West Superior Street this week. Work hours will be Monday - Friday, from 8am to 5pm. 


The following will be closed throughout the project:


  • 40 feet of the north/south alley on the south side of West Superior Street, between North Franklin Street and North Wells Street
  • Sidewalk and curb lane on the south side of West Superior Street, between North Wells Street and North Franklin Street
  • Sidewalk and curb lane on the west side of North Wells Street, from West Superior Street to a point 48 feet south thereof. 


The bike lane on the west side of North Wells Street will remain open throughout the project. Demolition is expected to be completed by August 1, 2024 (weather dependent).


400 N LSD Construction Update


Below is an update on the construction activity at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive.

 

Current Week

  • Pouring of cofferdam walls and tower crane foundation
  • Forming of wall cap at Ogden slip and under existing ramp
  • Installation of dewatering wells
  • Installation of power feed for tower crane

 

Week of 5/13

  • Begin backfill of cofferdam
  • Installation of sheeting at east and west ends of the site
  • Continue forming and rebar of wall cap at Ogden slip and under existing ramp
  • Continue pouring of tower crane foundation

 

Week of 5/20

  • Installation of Tower Crane
  • This will require Water St. for access due to equipment sizes
  • Continue backfilling of cofferdam
  • Continue pouring of wall cap at Ogden slip and under existing ramp
  • Begin removal of wooden fence at west end of site and replace with construction fence

 

Week of 5/27

  • Work will begin on the rebuilding of the southbound LSD ramp
  • Note this will result in the closure of the ramp and require use of Water St for access to site
  • Forming walls inside cofferdam
  • Begin excavation of cap beam at west end of site



Thompson Center Redevelopment Mobilization


Clark Construction began mobilizing for the Thompson Center Redevelopment project on Thursday, March 28. The following is what you can expect:


Clark Street - Clark Construction has installed jersey barriers and fencing along the west side of Clark Street, between Randolph Street and Lake Street. This stretch of Clark Street is reduced to one lane of southbound traffic. Pedestrians are being directed to the east side of the street - due to the sidewalk closure on the west side of Clark Street.


Randolph Street - On Monday, April 1, Clark Construction will begin building a pedestrian canopy on the north side of Randolph Street (sidewalk), between Clark Street and LaSalle Street. This work will occur during the overnight hours and take 4 days to complete.


LaSalle Street - At the end of next week, Clark Construction will begin erecting a pedestrian canopy on the east side of LaSalle Street (curb lane), between Randolph Street and Lake Street. The sidewalk on the east side of LaSalle will remain open until the canopy is built.


Lake Street - No changes through Wednesday, April 24.


Franklin Street Bridge Project


CDOT crews began sidewalk replacement and selective roadway grating replacement at the Franklin Avenue Bascule Bridge over the Main Branch of the Chicago River.


Scope of Work:

The project consists of performing the following repairs: replacement of bridge sidewalk with fiberglass sidewalk panels, selective roadway grating panels replacement.


Construction Schedule:

7:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday thru Friday, from Monday, March 18th  until Friday, August 30th. End date is tentative, contingent upon expected Central Business District Moratoriums.

 

Traffic Impact during Construction:


  • Full closure of one sidewalk at all times.
  • A single vehicular lane closure adjacent to the sidewalk being worked on at all times.
  • One northbound though lane and northbound bike lane will remain open throughout during sidewalk repairs.


Lake Shore Drive Bridge Repairs


Bridge Repairs have began on the Upper level of DuSable Lake Shore Drive Bascule Bridge over the Main Branch of the Chicago River.


This work is separate from the ongoing Pin & Link work at the bridge and will not impact that construction, or require additional roadway closures. Details of the temporary sidewalk restrictions are below:


Scope of Work:

The work consists of upper level stringer repairs at the SE and NE bridge houses.


Construction Schedule:

  • 8:00 pm - 6:00 am Sunday, March 10th 2024 until Thursday, April 25th 2024.
  • Work will occur on Sunday nights - Thursday nights only. No work to occur on Friday nights or Saturday nights.


Traffic Impact during Construction: 

  • The east sidewalk and bike path will be reduced to a shared travel lane in both directions during working hours.
  • The east sidewalk and bike path will be completely open to pedestrians and bicyclists during non-working hours.
  • This work will not impact the ongoing Pin & Link construction or cause additional road closures.
  • The west sidewalk will remain completely open to pedestrian traffic at all times.



CDOT Construction: Pin & Link Plate Assembly and Expansion Joints


The Department of Transportation will begin a project to replace pin and link plate assemblies and expansion joints associated with the bridge structures of upper and intermediate Columbus Dr., Randolph St., and Stetson Ave. Pin and link plate assembly work will be performed from the underside of the bridge decks while expansion joint replacements will occur from above.  The work began in November 2023 and will progress to completion (anticipated Fall 2024).  


Work is to start along upper, intermediate, and lower levels of the following roadways: 


  • N. Columbus Drive between E. Wacker Drive and E. Randolph Street
  • E. Randolph Street between N. Michigan Avenue and N. Field Boulevard
  • N. Stetson Avenue between E. Wacker Drive and E. Lake Street


During construction, portions of these bridge structures will be barricaded off to prohibit vehicles and pedestrians directly over the active work. 


  • Vehicles will be shifted and/or detoured to allow the work to progress. 
  • The sidewalk on at least one side of the roadway and crosswalks at roadway intersections will remain open for pedestrians. 
  • Coordination of temporary access restriction may be required with private properties directly adjacent to the project.  



LSD Bridge & Viaduct Project - September 25 to Summer 2024


The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) began working on the Lake Shore Drive Bridge and Viaduct Network between Monroe and Ontario. This work will include removing and replacing link plates, stainless steel pins, and Teflon bushings and expansion joint rehabilitation.  


Upper Level Lake Shore Drive will have one permanent lane closure in each direction and an additional lane closure during off-peak hours.


Intermediate Level Lake Shore Drive will have two permanent lane closures in each direction.


This project is expected to be completed summer of 2024.



State & Lake Utility Relocations


Utility companies began relocating utilities in advance of the State and Lake CTA project. Train services will not be disrupted during utility relocations. 

 

At least 1 lane of traffic will remain open (1 lane each direction on State St) at all times, but other driving and parking lanes may be closed. 


Construction equipment and materials will be stored on the street, including during time periods between active work. Work will primarily occur 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on Saturdays, but there will be limited work during nights. Utility companies are aware of and required to abide by the Chicago noise ordinance, which limits noisy work during overnight hours.


Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation


In 2023, IDOT began rehabilitating the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94), from the Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street.


The estimated $150 million project consists of rehabilitating 36 bridges and the Reversible Lane Access Control system, replacing overhead sign structures, installing new signage and modernized LED lights, pavement patching, and structural painting. Additionally, Hubbard’s Cave, from Grand Avenue to Wayman Street, will be painted and new LED lighting installed.


The work will take place over three consecutive construction seasons, broken down into the following stages:

  • 2023 – Inbound Kennedy: Click here for stage 1 fact sheet.
  • 2024 – Reversible Express Lanes: Click here for stage 2 fact sheet.
  • 2025 – Outbound Kennedy: Click here for stage 3 fact sheet.


The Kennedy Expressway officially opened in November 1960, with the last major rehabilitation completed in 1994. The project will improve safety, traffic flow and reliability for the more than 275,000 motorists who use the expressway each day.


Click here for a project overview.

Click here for a FAQ

Click here to see photos and videos of the project.