The Bank of America Chicago Marathon has significantly changed the normal flow of traffic across the city today. As 55,000 participants make their way along the 26.2-mile course through 29 Chicago neighborhoods, numerous streets are closed, intersections are blocked, and drivers are being advised to avoid areas along the route.
The most extensive restrictions began early this morning, but the impact extends well beyond Grant Park, where the race starts and finishes. The course reaches the central, northern, western and southern parts of Chicago, making it difficult in some areas to cross from one side of the route to the other until the final runners have passed.
Streets Reopen as the Race Moves Through the City
Course closures began at 6 a.m., and streets will return to normal traffic gradually, depending on the progress of the final runners and police assessments.
Downtown, Columbus Drive from the start line to Grand Avenue is expected to reopen around 10:30 a.m. Dearborn Street between Grand Avenue and Jackson Boulevard is expected to reopen around 11 a.m., followed by LaSalle Street from Jackson Boulevard to Stockton Drive at about 11:30 a.m.
Farther north, sections of Sheridan Road, Broadway and Clark Street are expected to reopen gradually between noon and 1 p.m. Traffic on Wells Street, Wacker Drive and Adams Street should begin returning to normal mainly between 1:30 and 2 p.m.
Closures Last Longer on the West and South Sides
Restrictions will remain in place longer along western and southern portions of the course, including sections of Jackson Boulevard, Halsted Street, Taylor Street and Loomis Street.
Michigan Avenue between 31st Street and Roosevelt Road is expected to reopen around 4:30 p.m.
All reopening times are approximate. Police will allow traffic back onto a section only after the final runners have passed and conditions are considered safe.
Major Routes Through Chicago Remain Open
For drivers who need to cross the city today, the main routes remain available.
DuSable Lake Shore Drive, the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94), Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94), Eisenhower Expressway (I-290) and Stevenson Expressway (I-55) remain open. The Kennedy exit ramp to Adams Street, however, is closed.
Clark Street between Lake Street and Adams Street is temporarily operating as a two-way street until approximately noon. Drivers are being directed north on Clark and then east on Lake Street, providing access to Lower Wacker Drive.
Grant Park Restrictions Continue After the Race
Parking restrictions along the marathon course have been in effect since 1 a.m. Vehicles left in posted no-parking zones may be ticketed and towed. Information about relocated vehicles is available at 312-744-4444.
While traffic across most of the city will gradually return to normal during the afternoon, restrictions around Grant Park will continue after the race as crews remove equipment and complete post-event work.
Some streets will not fully reopen until Monday. The section of Balbo Drive between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain closed until 3 p.m. Friday, October 16.
Photo: Pexels
