Beginning August 7th, the City of Chicago is embarking on a significant infrastructure project impacting Union Station South Canal Street Chicago Il. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced the commencement of a multi-phase rehabilitation of four viaducts on Canal Street, stretching from Taylor Street to Madison Street. This crucial corridor, serving as a vital artery into Chicago’s Central Business District and forming the roof of sections of Chicago Union Station, is set for extensive improvements.
Phase I of this ambitious undertaking will concentrate on Canal Street from Jackson Boulevard to Adams Street, directly adjacent to the iconic Chicago Union Station headhouse. This initial phase will involve a complete reconstruction of the entire width of Canal Street, encompassing both the roadway and sidewalks. To facilitate this comprehensive work, Canal Street will be completely closed to vehicular traffic between Jackson and Adams Streets for an estimated 18 months. Construction activities are scheduled to occur both during the day and night to expedite the project. Crucially, access to Chicago Union Station will be consistently maintained throughout the construction period.
Navigating Pedestrian Access to Union Station
For pedestrians heading to Union Station South Canal Street Chicago IL, several access points will remain operational. Entrances located along the Chicago River will be unaffected by the construction. Furthermore, a new, fully ADA-compliant mid-block entrance on Clinton Street will be opened prior to the Canal Street closure, ensuring accessibility for all. During the closure, designated walkways will be established on both sides of Canal Street to provide continued pedestrian access to Union Station and 222 S. Riverside Plaza. The east side walkway can be accessed from Adams Street, while the west side walkway will be reachable from Jackson Boulevard.
Traffic Detours and Impacts
Motorists should anticipate significant traffic disruptions in the Union Station South Canal Street Chicago IL area. The full road closure of Canal Street from Jackson Boulevard to Adams Street will necessitate detours for vehicular traffic. All transit stops within the affected zone will be temporarily relocated. It is important to note that Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street will remain open to vehicle traffic, providing alternative routes around the construction zone.
This extensive Canal Street rehabilitation project underscores CDOT’s ongoing commitment to upgrading infrastructure around Union Station. Coupled with the concurrent work on the Harrison Street viaduct, these improvements will result in the revitalization of nearly one mile of city streets built upon viaduct structures that are almost a century old, dating back to the inauguration of the current Union Station in the 1920s. For detailed information, including project maps, specific traffic detour routes, and CTA rerouting plans, please visit the official project website at cdotcanalprojects.com.
