CDOT/IDOT projects 2010-2012
Starting in Spring 2010, the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will begin four projects to improve the Eisenhower Expressway, Congress Parkway and Wacker Drive: 

-Wacker Drive reconstruction (CDOT) 
-Eisenhower resurfacing--Circle Interchange to Thorndale (IDOT)
-Congress Parkway bridge reconstruction (IDOT)
-Congress Parkway improvement (CDOT)

The projects will begin in spring 2010 and will last through 2012. Each project will greatly benefit motorists and pedestrians. Both CDOT and IDOT are working closely to minimize the traffic impact of each project.

Wacker Drive reconstruction--2010-2012
Project to rebuild north-south section of two-level roadway
In spring 2010, CDOT will begin the reconstruction of the north-south segment of Wacker Drive.

The project will completely rebuild the upper- and lower-level roadways, providing a safer and more efficient roadway. The Wacker interchange at Congress Parkway will be rebuilt to improve traffic safety and create additional green space.

North-south Wacker Drive--home to iconic Chicago buildings like the Sears Tower, 311 S. Wacker and the Civic Opera House--was built in the 1950s, and is in need of a complete reconstruction. The project marks the second part of the Wacker Drive reconstruction: The east-west section from Michigan Avenue to Randolph Street was rebuilt in 2001-2002.

As with the earlier project, the north-south section will be rebuilt in phases. Only one or two Wacker intersections will be closed at a time to minimize the impact on pedestrians and vehicles.

The Wacker project will occur at the same time as three other major projects in the area by CDOT and the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):
* Eisenhower Expressway resurfacing from Circle Interchange to Thorndale (IDOT)
* Congress Parkway Bridge reconstruction (IDOT)
* Congress Parkway Streetscape improvement, Wells to Michigan (CDOT)

Click on the links at the bottom of this page for an overview of the Wacker Drive project and the Congress Parkway improvement, as well as an overview of all four IDOT/CDOT projects.

For information on the Congress parkway Bridge project, Click here.

The CDOT web site will be updated with more project information as the project start dates approach. Click here to visit the web site.


Buckingham Fountain Restoration Project - Donate
The most comprehensive restoration project ever for Buckingham Fountain, one of the city’s most iconic treasures, is set to begin.

The $25 million renovation is the second project requiring the fountain’s extended closing in the last 15 years, and is expected to produce an even more spectacular water and lighting show. The 81-year-old Grant Park centerpiece will be tented, the plumbing will be overhauled, and the leaky outer basin will be taken apart, repaired and reassembled. 

 Congress Parkway improvement program

 IDOT/CDOT projects - overview

 Wacker Drive project - overview