News Alert and Special Notice to Traffic Reporters – Lane Reduction On Cicero Avenue Resumes
(CHICAGO) February 10, 1999 – Lanes of traffic on Cicero Avenue from 55th Street to 61st Street are now reduced from three lanes in each direction to two through late summer.
The roadwork is part of the construction for the $761 million Midway Airport Development Program. In order to accommodate the new, larger terminal, Cicero Avenue is being moved to 2,300 feet to the east. Construction work on Cicero Avenue was suspended in mid-November in order to ease access to Midway Airport during the busy holiday season.
Chicago Department of Aviation Deputy Commissioner Erin O'Donnell said, "The busiest time for any airport is the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. That's why we planned work so that no major construction that could possibly inconvenience the public would happen over the holidays. But now that it's back to work on Cicero Avenue."
Although Cicero Avenue will always remain open and will never be restricted to less than a total of four lanes, drivers are encouraged to use alternates to Cicero Avenue such as Central or Pulaski Avenues. Signs will be posted to alert drivers to their options.
While access to the Stevenson Expressway will be unaffected by the Midway Terminal Development Program, drivers should be aware that this summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation is performing major construction on the Stevenson Expressway. Midway Airport passengers should allow extra time traveling to and from the airport.
When it is complete, the Midway Terminal Development Program will improve traffic flow in and around Midway. A new traffic pattern will also reduce delays and improve traffic flow near the new terminal for both airport and local through traffic.
Roadway improvements include the relocation of Cicero Ave. and 59th St. and the creation of a flyover entrance to the airport. The flyover entrance will allow quick access to the airport for southbound drivers, without stopping traffic in the northbound lanes of Cicero.
A new multi-level parking garage will more than double the number of close-in parking spaces. The terminal also will be closer to the CTA's Orange Line station.
The $761 million Midway Airport Development Program will provide 50,000 new permanent jobs and $3.6 billion in economic benefits to the south and southwest sides of Chicago and the nearby suburbs by 2010.
Drivers who want up-to-date information can call the Midway Construction Hotline at 1-888-463-6692 (24 hours) for specific information about the Midway Terminal Construction Program and the changes in local traffic.
Within a three-mile radius of the airport, drivers can tune their radios to 800 AM for up-to-the-minute traffic and airport parking lot impacts.
"We have planned construction of the terminal with the hope of causing as little inconvenience as possible to our neighbors, passengers and employees," said O'Donnell. "We thank you in advance for your patience as we build a new Midway terminal for the 21st Century."
