An exploding fireball and other pyrotechnics this weekend are expected to cause traffic disruptions around 29th and Damen, the Stevenson Expressway and along Ashland Avenue.
A Paramount movie will be filming at an abandoned silo site at 2900 S. Damen, with a helicopter circling overhead to taking shots, according to a news release Thursday from the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“Stunts involving pyrotechnics including controlled explosions and a visible fireball will be part of several scenes,’’ the news release said.
The suspected source of the controlled explosions is the filming of “Transformers 4,” although an IDOT spokeswoman would not reveal the name of the movie Thursday.
According to IDOT, on Saturday and Sunday, from 7 a.m. to midnight, Illinois State Police “will intermittently control traffic” on the northbound I 55-Stevenson, and on the southbound Stevenson around Damen.
In addition, those same days, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
–Damen Avenue traffic will be detoured elsewhere, from Blue Island Avenue to Archer.
–Ashland Avenue traffic will be detoured, from Blue Island Avene to Archer Street.
–29th St., from Damen to Ashland, will see “intermittent delays.”
For more information, see IDOT news release below:
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 19, 2013
IDOT: Filming of Major Motion Picture near 2900 S. Damen Avenue in Chicago September 21- 22
Chicago– The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced that weather permitting,
Paramount Pictures will be filming scenes for an upcoming motion picture on the following dates at the following locations:
FILMING LOCATION: DAMEN SILOS, 2900 S. DAMEN AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL (Abandoned Silo site)
DATES: SATURDAY/SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2013
During filming a helicopter will be traveling in the vicinity of the filming area for aerial photography throughout the filming days. Stunts involving pyrotechnics including controlled explosions and a visible fireball will be part of several scenes. Illinois State Police will intermittently control traffic on I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) for large effects taking place at the silo site. During filming the Chicago Police Department will intermittently control traffic on the surrounding streets for special effects activity. The surrounding areas of control are as follows:
INTERMITTENT I-55 (Stevenson Expressway) TRAFFIC PACING
Saturday/Sunday September, 21 & 22, 7 a.m. – 12 p.m.:
- · Intermittent traffic pacing of I-55 northbound and southbound in the vicinity of Damen Avenue.
INTERMITTENT TRAFFIC CONTROL
Saturday/Sunday September 21 & 22, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.:
- · Damen Avenue between Blue Island Avenue and Archer Street. Through traffic will be detoured. Local traffic is subject to intermittent delays.
- · Ashland Avenue between Blue Island Avenue and Archer Street. Through traffic will be detoured. Local traffic is subject to intermittent delays.
- · 29th Street between Damen Avenue and Ashland Avenue is subject to intermittent delays.
IDOT is working closely with The Chicago Police Department, The Chicago Fire Department, Illinois State Police and The Chicago Film Office to ensure a safe and cooperative filming event.
Drivers are urged to pay close attention to the signs, obey the posted speed limits, be on the alert for workers and equipment, expect delays and be prepared to stop.
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