Safety and security preparations are intensifying ahead of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, with officials planning a public safety update on Tuesday.
The public safety speech will be the last citywide meeting before the highly anticipated convention, officials said.
In addition to security measures inside the convention, which is scheduled to take place next week, officials are also preparing for the possibility of large numbers of protesters outside the event.
“We expect a large number of people to show up here in Chicago, and we will be prepared for that,” Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling said in a speech Monday.
Meanwhile, road closures continued as crews installed security fencing around the city’s United Center and McCormick Place.
“Residents can expect intermittent traffic impacts in areas around both convention sites due to restricted parking, rolling street closures and possible full street closures if necessary,” convention officials said in a statement.
Full street closures are scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Friday at McCormick Place and 7 p.m. Saturday at the United Center as part of the schedule.
“Residents are encouraged to plan accordingly and allow for additional travel time during construction and throughout convention week,” officials said.
In addition to the fence closures, additional closures are planned for the week of the convention.
Here are the street closures planned for each locality before the DNC:
United Center – Security Fence Construction Project
Subject to change
Monday August 12
· 6:00 a.m.: No parking (in curb lanes) in all construction zones along the security perimeter.
Monday August 12 – Saturday August 17
· 8:00 AM: Staging and fencing installation begins, expect sidewalk, full street and driveway closures as necessary.
Saturday August 17
· United Center street closures begin at 7 p.m. along the restricted perimeter (enhanced security).
United Center Closing: Staging and Setup – Parking Restrictions and Street Closures:
- Monday – build on Washington: Damen to Wood, Wolcott between Washington and Warren; Paulina: Monroe to Adams
- Tuesday – build on Washington: Damen to Wood; Wood: Washington to Warren; Warren between Wood and Paulina
- Wednesday – build on Damen: Washington to Warren; Warren: Damen to Hoyne; Hoyne: Warren to Madison
- THURSDAY – build on Adams: Damen to Wood
- Friday– rely on Madison: Hoyne to Seeley; Seeley: Madison to Adams; Damen: Adams to Jackson; Monroe: Wood to Paulina.
Friday August 23
1:00 a.m., dismantling begins. Once completed, the streets will be open.
McCormick Place – Security Fence Project
Subject to change
Monday August 12
· 6:00 a.m.: No parking (in curbside lanes) in all built-up areas along the security perimeter.
· 9am, fencing begins, expect full closures of moving sidewalk lanes.
Tuesday August 13 – Friday August 16
· 00:01 Fence installation begins, expect closures of moving sidewalks, full streets and driveways as necessary.
Friday August 16
· 10:00 p.m. McCormick Place street closures begin, restricted perimeter (enhanced security).
McCormick Place Fence: Staging and Installation of Parking Restrictions and Street Closures:
- Tuesday – build on 24th Location: Michigan at McCormick Place; Indiana: 24th Make way for 24th St; 24th St; Michigan to Indiana; Michigan: 24th Place at 25th St.; MLK Drive: McCormick to 25th St.
- Wednesday – build on Indiana: 24th Cermak Place; Cermak: Indiana at McCormick; 25th Street at MLK Dr & McCormick
- THURSDAY – rely on McCormick: Cermak to MLK Dr.
Thursday August 22
6:00 p.m. Dismantling begins. Once completed, the streets will be open.
When is the DNC in Chicago?
The convention will take place from August 19 to 22.
It comes just over a week after Vice President Kamala Harris officially secured the Democratic nomination following a whirlwind within the Democratic Party that began with President Biden withdrawing from the 2024 race.
Who’s Speaking at the DNC in Chicago?
According to an NBC News report, the DNC will feature speeches from President Joe Biden and several former Democratic presidents.
Although an official schedule of speeches for the upcoming convention has not yet been released, NBC News reported that former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton are expected to address Democratic delegates and supporters.
In addition to Bill Clinton, former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is also expected to speak, as well as Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter, who will represent Carter.
Last week, Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate for the November general election. Both candidates are also expected to deliver speeches ceremonially accepting their nominations.
The full list of speakers at the convention remains to be determined.
