Loop Link work to bring more downtown lane closings

Expect more lane closings downtown along Washington Street because of construction work on the Loop Link bus rapid-transit project.

Lanes already are closed on eastbound Washington from Wacker to Clark. Starting Tuesday, that will be extended two blocks east to State, according to the Chicago Department of Transportation.

Traffic on Washington from Wacker to State will be limited to two lanes on the north side of the street.

There will still be access to alleys and parking lots in the construction zone, but no right turns will be allowed at La Salle, according to CDOT.

Lane closings will continue on Madison Street from Michigan to Wacker, and the street will be shut down entirely overnight for five nights starting Tuesday from State to Wells from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. each night, according to CDOT.

With delays expected, agency officials said drivers should consider alternate routes through the Loop.

The Loop Link is intended to speed travel through the Loop by separating automobile, bus and bike traffic. Red bus-only lanes will be installed along Madison, Washington, Canal and Clinton on a circuit between Union Station and Millennium Park. Protected bike lanes will be installed eastbound on Washington, westbound on Randolph and in both directions on Clinton.

Construction is supposed to be completed by the end of this year.

The Loop Link project is intended to allow some buses to move through downtown more quickly. | Artist’s rendering courtesy of the CTA