Protests, closures to create ‘traffic-pocalypse’ in Loop

Several events, protests and closures in the Loop are bound to cause major traffic headaches for downtown commuters during Friday evening’s rush.

Beginning at 4 p.m., activists will be protesting the Israeli occupation of Palestine at the Daley Center at 50 W. Washington St.

Also in Daley Plaza, cyclists will be gathering near the Picasso Statue to kick off the monthly Critical Mass bike ride, which takes off at 5:30 p.m.

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At 5 p.m., gubernatorial candidate Bruce Rauner is scheduled to appear at a fundraising event with New Jersey Governor Chris Christie at the Hilton at 720 S. Michigan Ave.

A large contingent of protesters, including members of Citizen Action, Equality Illinois and the Chicago Teachers Union are planning to protest outside the fundraiser beginning about 4:30 p.m.

Additionally, closures for Lollapalooza—which kicks off Aug. 1 in Grant Park—are already in place.

Balbo is closed from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive for set-up, according to the OEMC. Jackson is also closed from Columbus to Lake Shore Drive.

Lane restrictions will be put in place on Columbus and Congress at various times between now and the music festival, according to the OEMC.