The Democratic National Convention will soon take over several blocks around the United Center and McCormick Place from Aug. 19-22.
The latest planned street closures were released Thursday by the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Closures will begin as early as Aug. 17, as the U.S. Secret Service prepares its security perimeter for the convention.
The Chicago Transportation Authority hasn't released information about bus detours, but buses are expected to be rerouted around the vehicle screening perimeters, said Jeff Burnside, Secret Service coordinator for the 2024 DNC.
The United Center and McCormick place will each have two security zones: An outer zone where vehicles are subject to screenings; and an inner pedestrian restricted zone, which will be fenced off and not open to vehicle traffic. Only people with credentials will be allowed in that zone.
The vehicle screening perimeter will allow ride-hailing vehicles and delivery drivers, but they must pass through a security checkpoint at Paulina and Monroe near the United Center, Burnside said Thursday. Checkpoints around McCormick Place will be near Indiana and 18th, Cermak and Wabash, and King Drive and 25th Street.
Pedestrians will be able to freely move in and out of the vehicle screening zone, he said. Access to businesses in that perimeter won't be affected.
The pedestrian zone has more restrictions. Ride-hailing services and delivery drivers will not be able to access these zones, Burnside said.
United Center street closures begin Saturday, Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. and last through the morning of Aug. 23.
McCormick Place street closures begin Friday, Aug. 16 at 10 p.m.
No trucks or anything larger than passenger cars will be permitted on Interstate 55 / Stevenson Expressway between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and State Street in both directions.
The MLK Blvd Exit from I-55 northbound lanes (here eastbound), inclusive of the I-55 turnaround lane (northbound to southbound) will be closed except to vehicles specifically authorized by the Secret Service.
Sidewalk Closures around Venues:
Reroutes: