More Ryan changes debut today

Drivers on the Dan Ryan Expy. should brace for more changes to the outbound local lanes starting today.

As part of the massive reconstruction of the roadway, the outbound local lanes will be closed between 31st and 43rd streets for the duration of the construction season, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. The inbound local lanes were shut down last weekend.

"The local lanes are being shut down in stages," said Mike Claffey, IDOT spokesman. "The cold weather and rain has delayed the striping," crucial to traffic flowing safely during construction.

The outbound local lanes south of 43rd will be closed once there's more of a warm-up, allowing crews to finish restriping the express lanes.

Beginning today, motorists also will notice added express lane exits at 35th Street and 43rd Street in addition to the 55th Street ramp. That will keep traffic flowing and give drivers more options since the local lanes will be closed during construction.

While other exits and entrance ramps are temporarily closed, motorists trying to get on the outbound Dan Ryan may do so at 35th Street, 43rd Street and 55th Street, Claffey said. Traffic will flow through the closed local lanes and enter the express lanes on slip ramps along the route.

Truckers are encouraged to stay on the expressway; the current construction route allows trucks to use the express lanes, according to IDOT.

Sun-Times staff report