A series of street closures ahead of next week’s 2024 Democratic National Convention went into effect Saturday night.
Among the major closures is the closure of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. The exit from the northbound lanes of Interstate 55, including the I-55 turnaround lane, will be closed to all vehicles except those authorized by the U.S. Secret Service.
With most of the major DNC events taking place at the United Center, many of the closures are affecting Chicago’s Near West Side neighborhood, though closures are also in effect near McCormick Place, where other events will take place.
The following closures began from 7pm on Saturday:
- Madison Street from North Hoyne Avenue to North Paulina Street
- Damen Avenue from West Lake Street to West Van Buren
- Adams Street from South Damen Avenue to Paulina Street
- Washington Street from North Damen Avenue to North Wood Street
- Indiana Avenue from 18th to 24th Place East
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Jr. Parkway.
- 23rd Street from Wabash to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Jr. Drive
- Drive MLK Jr. from Cermak Road to 25th Street
- East 21st Street is closed from and including South Michigan Avenue to South Calumet Avenue. Note: East 21st Street will be open from west of South Michigan Avenue to South Wabash Avenue and East 21st Street.
No trucks or vehicles larger than passenger cars are allowed on I-55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in either direction.
As for the impact on traffic near McCormick Place, two vehicle security checkpoints in the area went into effect Friday evening.
One checkpoint is at South Indiana Avenue and 18th Street, while the other is near Wabash Avenue and Cermak Road.
