As the national election approaches in November, Chicago is preparing to host the Democratic National Convention, one of the major events preceding it. The DNC is scheduled to take place August 19-22, and every major Democrat is expected to be in the city.
This significant event will lead to major road closures and pedestrian restrictions around the convention’s main venues, McCormick Place and the United Center. These measures are being implemented to ensure the smooth operation of the convention and the safety of all participants and attendees.
Officials say one of the main security measures will be limiting access to roads near the site. Road closures are expected to take effect on Friday, August 16, at McCormick Place and on Saturday, August 17, at the United Center.
How will access be limited?
Two measures will be taken: red and yellow areas.
A “red” area indicates a location that will be fenced in and staffed by police and other security officers. No one will be allowed inside without proper credentials and identification.
“Yellow” areas are limited access, with vehicles entering those areas subject to search, according to the Secret Service and FBI.
Businesses located within the red-shaded areas will be limited to only serving convention guests, while businesses in yellow-shaded areas can continue operating as normal.
What streets near the United Center will be closed?
Streets will be closed near the United Center on Saturday, August 17, at 7 p.m. The streets closed are th the following:
- West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
- Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
- West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- South Horner Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
- South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
- South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street
What streets near McCormick Place will be closed?
Streets will be closed near McCormick Place on Friday, August 16, at 10 p.m. The streets closed are th the following:
- Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- MLK Drive from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street
- E 21st Street closed from, and inclusive of, S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
- E 21st St is open from west of S Michigan Avenue to inclusive of S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.