It’s that time of year again—street closures begin this week in preparation for the 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race, returning to Grant Park July 5–6.
The high-octane event will bring two days of racing and entertainment to the heart of downtown. In the weeks leading up to it, numerous streets throughout the Loop will be closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic.
Street closures begin this Thursday
Closures will roll out in phases, starting Thursday, June 19, with the shutdown of Balbo Drive between Columbus Drive and DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
Additional closures will follow on major arteries including Ida B. Wells Drive, Congress Plaza Drive, DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and Michigan Avenue. By race weekend, all of Grant Park and surrounding streets will be off-limits to traffic.
View the full traffic plan here.
NASCAR’s shortest build schedule yet
While the street closures will likely lead to increased vehicle congestion downtown, there’s a silver lining—this year’s NASCAR traffic impact will be the shortest yet.
According to NASCAR, the 2025 Chicago Street Race will disrupt usual traffic for only 18 days total, representing a 28% reduction from the inaugural 2023 event.
Specifically, disruptions to traffic along Michigan Avenue between Ida B. Wells Drive and Jackson Drive will be limited to just 5 days.
Learn more about the local impact of 2025 NASCAR Chicago Street Race here.
