Chicago Roads: Dan Ryan Ramp Openings to Provide More Skyway Access

CHICAGO, Aug. 24, 2005 -- The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announces the opening later this month of the 67th Street exit ramp and 71st Street entrance ramp on the northbound Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94). Pushed back a week due to weather conditions, the opening of the exit ramp at 67th Street is significant because it will allow inbound Dan Ryan traffic to access the eastbound Chicago Skyway (I-90) via State Street to 66th Street. This announcement follows last month's opening of the 67th Street Bridge and entrance ramp and the 71st Street exit ramp on the southbound Dan Ryan.

IDOT's "Road Doctors" are announcing the following schedule (weather permitting):

   -- On Monday, August 29, the exit ramp from the inbound Dan Ryan to 67th
      Street and the entrance ramp from 71st Street to the inbound Dan Ryan
      will reopen to traffic.
   -- Also on August 29, upon the opening of the 67th Street and 71st Street
      ramps, the 63rd Street entrance ramp will close for reconstruction
      until early November.
   -- Work crews may be near the traffic lanes for the remainder of the
      project. Drivers are urged to be extra cautious in work zones where
      the speed limit is 45 m.p.h. Furthermore, drivers should expect
      ongoing shifts in traffic and should be prepared to come to a complete
      stop.
   -- The Road Doctors are also issuing a warning for motorists to reduce
      speed on the westbound Skyway exit ramp to the Dan Ryan.  Traffic
      should follow the posted speed limit on the ramp, which is 35 m.p.h.

This work is part of the $600 million Dan Ryan Expressway reconstruction project. IDOT is in the midst of a four-year reconstruction project on the Dan Ryan from 31st Street to 95th Street. The improved Dan Ryan will include an additional lane in each direction, a reconfigured Skyway interchange and upgrades to the local access roads that run parallel to the expressway. The project goals include improving safety for motorists, reducing commuting time on the city's busiest expressway and creating jobs.

For the most updated information, visit http://www.danryanexpressway.com/ or call 1-877-411-IDOT.