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Midway Modernization Program
Traffic Changes During Construction - Started January 15
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is implementing a major capital improvement program over the next three years at Midway International Airport that will significantly upgrade the travel experience for years to come. In addition to bringing a new and expanded concessions program forward, the nearly $400 million Midway Modernization Program will expand the security checkpoint area and terminal parking garage.
The CDA will oversee a phased approach to construction on the checkpoint and garage projects to minimize the effects of changing traffic patterns to the surrounding community.
What to Expect When Driving to and Around Midway
Lane and road closures will occur through early 2020 on Cicero Avenue, between 56th and 61st Streets, on Kilpatrick Avenue and on some airport access roads during construction.
To maintain the best flow of traffic, the CDA is working with its partners on the following:
* Access for local traffic on Cicero Avenue will be maintained with two lanes open in both directions for most of construction.
* Airport traffic can use Central Avenue and Pulaski Road as alternates to Cicero Avenue.
* Suggested alternates to help Midway travelers avoid construction include using CTA or parking in the Economy Lot (Central Avenue exit off I-55).
* Detours in place for periodic full road closures.
* Traffic Management staff added to guide traffic during peak times.
* Message boards staged in advance of work areas displaying traffic pattern changes.
* Safety measures including signage, barriers, flaggers, and traffic guides in place to ensure safe conditions for motorists, workers, and pedestrians.
* Information and updates on traffic changes posted to www.MDWMod.com and www.flychicago.com/midway. Traffic updates available on Midway's ParkNet Radio Station (1630 AM) within one-mile radius of airport.
EXTENDED LANE CLOSURES ON SOUTH CICERO AVENUE NEXT TO MIDWAY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BEGIN JANUARY 15, 2018 Section of Cicero Avenue reduced from six to four lanes to accommodate construction of Midway Modernization Program bridge expansion project CHICAGO - The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is informing the community and travelers of extended lane reductions on Cicero Avenue near Midway International Airport that are set to begin next week and to continue during a portion of airport improvement projects. Effective Monday, January 15, 2018, one lane of traffic will be closed in each direction on South Cicero Avenue next to Midway International Airport in between West 56th Street and West 61st Street. The closures will reduce Cicero Avenue from a total of six lanes to four lanes for about a quarter of a mile with access for local traffic maintained with two lanes open in both directions.
The lane reductions will be in place through early 2020 to accommodate construction that will widen the Midway terminal pedestrian bridge over Cicero Avenue as part of the Midway Modernization Program (MMP).
To minimize the impact to the community as well as travelers, the CDA is coordinating closely with the Chicago Department of Transportation and other City of Chicago and state agencies to oversee a phased approach to construction on the bridge expansion project. This approach will minimize the effects of changing traffic patterns to the surrounding community and will ensure two lanes on either direction remain open at all times. City of Chicago traffic management staff will be added to guide traffic during peak times and message boards will be staged in advance of work areas to alert drivers of traffic pattern changes.
Motorists traveling north and southbound in the area are encouraged to consider alternate routes to avoid traffic on Cicero Avenue by utilizing Pulaski Road to the east, or Central Avenue or Harlem Avenue to the west in the area of Midway International Airport. Access to Midway's terminal arrival and departure roadways and main terminal parking garage will be maintained at all times during construction. Midway airport travelers and employees are encouraged to use the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Orange Line or Economy Parking garage/lots to avoid traffic on Cicero Avenue. In addition to using alternate routes to reach the airport, Midway passengers and employees should allow extra travel time.
Information and updates on traffic changes will be posted to www.MDWMod.com and www.flychicago.com/midway throughout the project. Traffic updates are also available on Midway's ParkNet Radio Station (1630 AM) within one-mile radius of airport. The CDA has developed a flier detailing traffic changes with maps and travel tips for residents in and around the Midway community. The flier is included with this release and also available on the Midway Modernization website.
Beginning this week and continuing for the next three weeks, nightly lane closures will occur on the outermost (west) lane of southbound Cicero Avenue for approximately 500 feet in the immediate vicinity of Midway. The lane closure will be in effect from 9:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. as crews work to construct an additional roadway surface for vehicle traffic in advance of upcoming traffic pattern changes.
The construction work that begins on January 15 will involve demolition of the median in between the northbound and southbound lanes of Cicero Avenue next to the airport terminal. This activity requires the closure of the innermost lane of Cicero in both directions and is expected to take two to three weeks to complete. Following the median demolition, construction work will begin immediately on the bridge that will require a long-term closure of all northbound lanes of Cicero Avenue next to Midway's terminal. Two lanes of traffic in both directions will be shifted west on to existing and new temporary lanes. Subsequent work on the project over the next two years will involve lane closures and traffic pattern changes on Cicero Avenue.
About the Midway Bridge/Security Checkpoint Expansion Project
The lane closures are to accommodate construction of a new security checkpoint and bridge expansion project at Midway. A new 80,000-square-foot security pavilion will be created to allow for additional security lanes, enhanced technology and a single checkpoint system that will double Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening capacity and increase efficiency for passengers. The new security structure and expansion of the pedestrian bridge will provide for a streamlined, single-checkpoint area that will be seven times wider than the current security hall and featuring new technology. This development, combined with new TSA automated lanes, is expected to increase the hourly throughput from 2,500 to 5,000 passengers per hour-double the existing capacity. Beyond the expanded capacity for TSA screening functions, the project will contribute to other aspects of the MMP by adding 18,000-square- feet for new concession opportunities. Over the next two years, the $104 million security checkpoint project will create 470 new construction jobs.
About the Midway Modernization Program (MMP)
The security checkpoint expansion represents the first major component of the MMP - a nearly $400 million investment announced by Mayor Emanuel in 2015 to deliver the airport's most significant capital upgrade in nearly two decades. The other major projects of the MMP include the expansion to the terminal parking garage to add 1,500 parking spaces and a complete renovation and expansion of Midway's concessions program that will deliver new local offerings, national brands, new healthy options and expanded retail offerings by 2020.
The CDA maintains a Midway Modernization website, www.MDWMod.com, to deliver key information to passengers as well as the general public. The website features regular updates on construction of the three key components of the MMP, as well as information that will help travelers plan accordingly and minimize the impact of construction on travel plans. The site will also post information about career fairs and job opportunities for residents.
About Chicago Department of Aviation
The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) is self-supporting, using no local or state tax dollars for operations or capital improvements at O'Hare and Midway International Airports. Chicago's airports offer service to nearly 250 nonstop destinations worldwide, including 41 foreign countries, combined. Together, Chicago's airports generate more than $45 billion in annual economic activity. Please visit www.flychicago.com to learn more about the Chicago Department of Aviation.
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