How to use transit during the Kennedy Expressway construction

A major, multiyear construction project on the Kennedy Expressway stretching 7.5 miles from the junction with the Edens to Ohio Street threatens to leave drivers stuck in traffic through late 2025. Transit is the answer. As the highway project enters its third phase March 17, drivers can either plan for a more congested commute due to more lane closures or take advantage of public transit to get them where they need to go. The RTA has compiled information on how to use the CTA, Metra, and Pace during the Kennedy construction. Riding public transit is also more affordable and seamless than ever before thanks to new fare products. Learn more in a previous blog post.

CTA

The O’Hare branch of the CTA Blue Line runs along the Kennedy Expressway all the way from O’Hare into the city. Use the CTA’s trip planner to see if the Blue Line is a good option for you.

Pace

Pace has the unique ability to drive on the shoulder of the expressway through its Bus on Shoulder program. This allows the bus to bypass traffic in a quick and safe way. There are currently around a dozen expressway-based bus routes between I-55, I-94, and I-90, and no significant impacts to schedule reliability are expected due to planned construction. To plan your commute with Pace, use the trip planner to find available routes. Read more in a press release.

Metra

In an effort to accommodate the anticipated increase of riders, Metra added 12 weekday trains to the UP-NW line in the spring of 2023, and 4 weekday trains to the UP-N line in 2024. Those schedule changes remain in effect — see Metra's updated train schedule. Metra will be closely monitoring ridership on all lines as the third year of the Kennedy project proceeds.

Fare for the CTA, Metra, and Pace can be purchased through the Ventra app. Learn more about paying for your ride.