OEMC warns of street closures, traffic impacts this weekend

With the Chicago Marathon, Columbus Day Parade and Blackhawks home season kickoff occurring this weekend, street closures and large crowds are expected throughout the city.

On Saturday, the Chicago Blackhawks will host the Buffalo Sabres to begin the 2014-2015 home season, according to a statement from the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Madison between Damen and Wood will be closed from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a red carpet event.

Numerous streets will be closed in preparation the 2014 Bank of America Chicago Marathon on Sunday, according to the OEMC.

– Streets near Grant Park — including Columbus from Congress to Roosevelt, Jackson from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive and Balbo from Lake Shore Drive to Michigan — were closed as of Thursday evening.

– Friday, Columbus will be closed from Monroe to Roosevelt and Jackson will be closed from Lake Shore Drive to Michigan. Congress will also be closed from Columbus to Michigan.

– Saturday, Columbus closures will be extended to Randolph. Monroe will be closed from Michigan to Lake Shore Drive, and westbound Roosevelt Road will be closed from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive.

– Sunday, Roosevelt will be closed from Michigan to Columbus and additional street closures can be anticipated as early as 5:30 a.m. before the race begins at 7:30 a.m., the statement said.

Complete street closure information for the marathon can be found at http://www.chicagomarathon.com.

On Monday, the Columbus Day Parade will be held at noon on State Street from Wacker to Van Buren, the statement said. Street closures are expected by the OEMC as floats assemble Sunday morning.

Motorists are encouraged to allow extra time, expect delays and consider alternate routes to avoid crowds and traffic, according to the OEMC. For information on CTA reroutes, travelers should check http://www.transitchicago.com.