Chicago – Members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus joined the Illinois Department of Transportation in celebrating the early completion of the Kennedy Expressway Rehabilitation project along with thanking the public for their understanding and endurance during the length of the three-year, $169 million endeavor.

“This marks the end of a long road for commuters. A new, safer Kennedy is open so people can get where they need to go faster and hopefully with less frustration,” said Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park). “To accelerate the timeline on the rehabilitation, IDOT ensured that traffic on the expressway worked its way in and out of completed sections to enhance the flow of traffic during heavy construction periods. Extended hours and supplemental workers were used whenever it was deemed possible.”

The Kennedy Expressway opened in 1960, with the last major updates and reconstruction completed in 1994. Prior to its rehabilitation, the Kennedy pavement had exceeded its anticipated lifecycle. Potholes, cracking, and rutting were common, creating safety hazards and unplanned repairs that snarled and delayed traffic.

“The completion of this project marks a major step toward smoother, safer commutes for thousands of drivers who rely on this corridor every day,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “This is proof that when we invest in our infrastructure, we invest in our communities. I want to thank all of the Chicagoland residents who have dealt with delays and construction over the past three years. I'm proud to see these improvements delivered for those in my district and beyond.”

The senators also extended their gratitude to the workers, community leaders and industry leaders that collaborated together to make this project a reality. With the project being completed a month ahead of schedule, the rehabilitation included the repair of 50-year-old bridges, the restoration of the reversible lane system, improved lighting and safety fixtures and pavement reparations.

 “The completion of the Kennedy Expressway rehabilitation projects as part of the Rebuild Illinois program will connect residents to where they need to go, when they need it, with the ease of reliable and accessible roadways,” said State Senator Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago). “Serving more than 275,000 trucks and cars each day, taking neighbors to their school or work, or even making a delivery, these rehabilitation projects will have a positive impact on our communities.”