IDOT’s restoration of Kimball, Addison, and Pulaski ramps signals major progress in expressway rehab project
Chicago commuters have reason to celebrate: as of September 3, 2025, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has reopened three key outbound exit ramps on the Kennedy Expressway — Kimball Avenue, Addison Street, and Pulaski Road/Irving Park Road. ABC7 Chicago This move marks a major milestone toward finishing the long-running Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation project ahead of the planned Thanksgiving 2025 completion. ABC7 Chicago
🚧 What’s Happening & Why It Matters
1. Ramps Restored, Traffic Relief Begins
The reopened ramps now offer motorists better access to major arteries in Chicago’s North and Northwest neighborhoods. According to ABC7, the Kimball ramp was shut down Tuesday night, while the ramps for Addison and Pulaski were also offline earlier. All three are back in service now. ABC7 Chicago
2. Reversible Express Lanes & Lane Status
Though these ramps are now active, the reversible express lanes will continue operating in an outbound-only direction for the time being. IDOT will maintain restrictions on mid-gate entrances and exits to ensure safety during ongoing construction work. ABC7 Chicago
3. What’s Still in the Works
Not all ramps are back yet. Closures remain for:
- Augusta Boulevard / Milwaukee Avenue
- Fullerton Avenue slip ramp to Western
- North Avenue (Illinois 64)
- Armitage Avenue
- Diversey Avenue
- Others
IDOT expects these to be reopened in mid‑ to late September or October, depending on progress and weather. ABC7 Chicago+1
Also, the overarching expressway project — which includes rebuilding 36 bridges, improving safety measures, re‑paving, and upgrading infrastructure along I‑90/94 from the Edens junction to Ohio Street — is set to wrap by Thanksgiving 2025. IDOT+2ABC7 Chicago+2
🏙️ What This Means for EagleBlackLimo Clients & Chicago Travelers
- Faster, smoother rides: With major ramps reopened, travel through the North Side corridors becomes less congested — a direct benefit for chauffeured services.
- More route options: Drivers and limo services can more flexibly choose exits to reach key neighborhoods, airports, or events.
- Safety & predictability: As the reversible lanes remain controlled and exit access is limited, traffic patterns stay more stable during peak hours.
- Opportunity for promotion: EagleBlackLimo can leverage this development — e.g. “Avoid construction delays, ride with us” — to position premium service during infrastructure transitions.
