The City of Chicago’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to respond to the multiple public safety incidents, looting and property damage that occurred very early this morning. The EOC is coordinating efforts with various city department and sister agencies on the response.  

The city will be deploying more than 100 infrastructure assets citywide that will be strategically positioned by the Chicago Police Department to protect neighborhood commercial corridors and critical businesses, such as grocery stores and pharmacies.   

In addition, access to the downtown area will be temporarily restricted beginning this evening from 8 p.m.–6 a.m. The restricted access to the downtown area is NOT a curfew. All residents, essential workers and employees whose businesses are located downtown will have access at all times. As part of the restricted access, the following measures will be in place until further notice: 

Lake Shore Drive will be closed between: 

Fullerton Avenue on the North and I-55 on the South 

Downtown Bridges: 
All Bridges will be up by 8 p.m. with the exception of the following: 

• LaSalle Street 
• Harrison Street 
• Ida B. Wells / Congress Bridge (West Bound Open Only) 
• Lake Shore Drive 
• Columbus Avenue 
• Kinzie Street 
• Grand Avenue 

Access Points for residents and employees of area businesses: 

• Harrison Street 
• Chicago Avenue and Halsted Street 
• Roosevelt Road and Canal Street 
• Kinzie Street and Halsted Street 
• LaSalle Street 

Expressway Closures: 

All Ramps from Roosevelt Road to Division Street will be closed in both directions. 

CTA: 

• Rail Service will be impacted at the following locations, with trains not entering the area surrounding downtown: Fullerton Avenue to 47^th and east of Halsted Street 
• Bus Service will remain open at this time. Some buses will see reroutes due to bridge and street closures. 

CDOT 

• Divvy Service will not be available from North Avenue to Ashland Avenue and Cermak Road between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. 

Access points are designated for residents, essential workers and employees whose businesses are located within the designated boundaries, individuals who reside in the surrounding area and residents engaged in essential activities.  

Entrance into the perimeter will be manned by officers with the Chicago Police Department. When arriving at the access points, residents and employees should show identification or proof that they live in the area and/or work in the area.  

Weather Advisory from the EOC 

Please note, the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect until 7 p.m. tonight. Developing storms with damaging wind gusts up to 70 mph will be possible. Warm and humid conditions with heat index values near 100 degrees are expected into the afternoon prior to the potential thunderstorms. OECM will monitor conditions with the National Weather Service and provide alerts as needed. 

To receive emergency alerts for updates on street closures and public transportation, subscribe to Chicago’s text or email alert system at NotifyChicago.org or follow the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) on Facebook and Twitter @ChicagoOEMC. 

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