With thousands of marchers expected for the Women’s March in Chicago on Saturday, January 18, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is advising residents and motorists to be aware of the traffic impacts as participants gather in support of women’s rights and civil liberties.

“The City has worked with the March organizers to ensure the appropriate staffing and resources are allocated for the event, while also ensuring appropriate coverage throughout the city,” said Rich Guidice, OEMC executive director. "As always, the City will ensure the First Amendment rights of those participating in the March as well as the safety and security of residents and visitors in the area."

ASSEMBLY AND MARCH STEP OFF:
Marchers will begin to assemble at 9 a.m. at Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph Street. The March will step off at 11 a.m. and is expected to disband around 1 p.m.

Entrance into Grant Park will be located off of Ida B. Wells Parkway. Marchers with disabilities

ROUTE OF MARCH:
Participants will gather on Jackson St. at Columbus Dr. They will march west on Jackson St. towards Michigan Ave., Michigan Ave. north to Adams St., west on Adams St. to Federal Plaza. Organizers expect marchers to disband at Federal Plaza.

STREET CLOSURES:
Columbus Dr. from Monroe St. to Ida B. Wells., Columbus Dr. to Lake Shore Drive will be closed Saturday at 5 a.m. to Saturday at 2 p.m.

Once the March steps off, rolling closures will be implemented along Michigan Ave. from Randolph St. to Van Buren St., and closures on Jackson are anticipated to be implemented as far west as LaSalle St.

Additional street closures may be implemented to ensure public safety. 

Traffic control aides will be on hand to facilitate traffic.

WEATHER:
Temperatures are predicted to be in mid-to-high 30s, with rain and snow likely on Saturday.

OEMC has arranged for four CTA warming buses to be staged for the event, which will be available should conditions warrant. 

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:
Public transportation is strongly recommended.

CTA will provide extra bus and rail service for customers attending the March on Saturday, including increased service on the Red line, and longer trains on the Blue, Brown, Purple, Green and Orange lines and on the #147 Outer Drive Express bus route.

Customers can find travel information at transitchicago.com.

ADA PARATRANSIT DROP-OFF/PICK-UP:

Drop-Off/Pick-Up: The drop-off/pick-up location for people with disabilities is on Monroe, east of Columbus.

RIDE SERVICES (UBER & LYFT):

Drop-offs and pick-ups are prohibited on Lake Shore Drive, including on-ramps, off-ramps, medians, turning lanes shoulder and emergency pull-offs. This will be strictly enforced.
Ride share vehicles cannot stop, stand or park in bus or bicycle lanes, fire lanes, sidewalk crossings, bridges or any other areas. This will be strictly enforced.

SECURITY:

The Chicago Police Department will deploy uniformed and plainclothes officers to the event to ensure the safety of participants, pedestrians and motorists. OEMC will be monitoring the event, as well as other concurrent events and citywide conditions accordingly.

MEDIA STAGING:

Media staging for the event will be on the north curb lane of Monroe St., between Columbus Dr. and Lake Shore Drive.

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING:

OEMC urges everyone to be vigilant and aware of surroundings and report suspicious activity. If any suspicious criminal activity or suspicious objects are noticed, call 9-1-1 or notify on-site law enforcement personnel immediately. Some of these activities could be innocent; however, it’s up to law enforcement to determine whether the behavior warrants investigations so, If You See Something, Say Something.
For emergency alert notifications, subscribe at www.NotifyChicago.org.

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