Chicago, we need to talk about the Dan Ryan. Again.
The Roosevelt-Taylor exit ramp off the northbound Dan Ryan Expressway closed Monday morning, Nov. 9, and it’s expected to stay closed for about two weeks, according to ABC7 Chicago. So if your muscle memory takes you up the Ryan and off at Roosevelt every time you head to the South Loop, Soldier Field or the Museum Campus, it’s time to retrain it.
Nobody asked for this. And yet. Here we are. With another Dan Ryan ramp closure.
Why is the Dan Ryan exit at Roosevelt closed?
Peoples Gas. Crews have been installing an underground energy main in the area, and the company plans to restore Ruble Street once that’s done. Peoples Gas says the new pipe will make energy more reliable for residents and businesses nearby.
Great for them. Less great for your Saturday plans.
When will the Roosevelt/Taylor ramp reopen?
The closure is expected to last about two weeks, which would put a reopening around Monday, Nov. 23.
That’s our math, not an official date. And if you’ve lived in Chicago for more than a week, you know how construction timelines tend to go. We’ll update this story if anything changes.
Is there a detour for the Roosevelt Road exit?
No official detour has been announced. Your best bet is to plug your destination into your map app before you merge onto the Ryan, not while you’re sitting in the right lane staring at a closed ramp.
Heading to the Museum Campus? DuSable Lake Shore Drive is your friend.
How do I get to the South Loop and Museum Campus without driving?
Take the train. Trust us.
- CTA: Roosevelt station is served by the Red, Orange and Green lines. It’s a short walk to the Museum Campus and Soldier Field.
- Metra: If you’re coming from the South Side or south suburbs, Metra Electric stops at Museum Campus/11th St.
No ramp. No merge. No guy in a Silverado cutting across three lanes at the last second.
Tips for getting to Soldier Field and the Museum Campus during the closure
- Leave 15 to 20 minutes early. Traffic that would have used the Roosevelt exit has to go somewhere, and “somewhere” is probably the road you’re on.
- Book parking ahead if you’re driving to a big game or event, so you’re not circling the block during kickoff.
- Check traffic before evening plans. The rush hour backup and the pre-event backup now overlap more than they used to.
Two weeks. Pack your patience. Or a Ventra card. Ideally both.
