Chicago Central Business District Restricted Access Effective at 8:00 p.m. Tonight, Until Further Notice
The vandalism, looting, and violence that occurred last night and early this morning in the city of Chicago only adds more devastation and heartbreak to our industry that has been in crisis since the middle of March. Several restaurants, retailers, and other businesses were hit, and the full scope of damage is still being assessed.
If there aren’t consequences for criminal actions, Chicago’s small business community will remain constantly at risk. The IRA continues to collaborate with our partners and elected leaders, as well as provide all the resources at our disposal to help our restaurants rebuild now and survive these turbulent times.
Restricted Access Effective at 8:00 p.m. Tonight
The City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to respond to the multiple public safety incidents, looting and property damage that occurred very early this morning. The EOC is coordinating efforts with various city department and sister agencies on the response.
The city will be deploying more than 100 infrastructure assets citywide that will be strategically positioned by the Chicago Police Department to protect neighborhood commercial corridors and critical businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.
There will be temporarily restricted access to the downtown area beginning this evening from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The restricted access to the downtown area is NOT a curfew. All residents, essential workers and employees whose businesses are located downtown will have access at all times. As part of the restricted access, the following measures will be in place until further notice:
Lake Shore Drive will be closed between:
- Fullerton Avenue on the North and I-55 on the South
Downtown Bridges
All Bridges will be up by 8 p.m. with the exception of the following:
- LaSalle Street
- Harrison Street
- Ida B. Wells / Congress Bridge (West Bound Open Only)
- Lake Shore Drive
- Columbus Avenue
- Kinzie Street
- Grand Avenue
Access Points for residents and employees of area businesses
- Harrison Street
- Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street
- Roosevelt Road and Canal Street
- Kinzie Street and Halsted Street
- LaSalle Street
Expressway Closures
- All Ramps from Roosevelt Road to Division Street will be closed in both directions.
CTA
- Rail Service will be impacted at the following locations, with trains not entering the area surrounding downtown: Fullerton Avenue to 47th and east of Halsted Street
- Bus Service will remain open at this time. Some buses will see reroutes due to bridge and street closures.
CDOT
- Divvy Service will not be available from North Avenue to Ashland Avenue and Cermak Road between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Access points are designated for residents, essential workers and employees whose businesses are located within the designated boundaries, individuals who reside in the surrounding area and residents engaged in essential activities.
Entrance into the perimeter will be manned by officers with the Chicago Police Department. When arriving at the access points, residents and employees should show identification or proof that they live in the area and/or work in the area.
To receive emergency alerts for updates on street closures and public transportation, subscribe to Chicago’s text or email alert system at NotifyChicago.org or follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) on Facebook and Twitter @ChicagoOEMC.