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<title>ABC7 Traffic Center</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/channel?section=resources/traffic&id=7100934]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[ABC7 construction notices, traffic times, traffic maps, and I Love My Car.]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:48:26 GMT</pubDate>
<copyright>Copyright &#169;2013 ABC inc., WLS-TV inc.</copyright>
<language>en-us</language>
<item>
<title>Traffic Troubleshooter</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=6536702&rss=rss-wls-article-6536702]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Do you have a specific question you want to ask Roz Varon?]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Do you have a specific question you want to ask Roz Varon?]]></dig:D3text>
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<pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 11:17:01 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Construction Notes: Closures/Projects</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=6030486&rss=rss-wls-article-6030486]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Make sure construction projects don't slow you down]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Make sure construction projects don't slow you down]]></dig:D3text>
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<pubDate>Fri, 02 May 2008 13:15:47 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Operation Prom Night</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=9074346&rss=rss-wls-article-9074346]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[As prom season is gets under way, ABC7's Roz Varon shows us how some Chicago students are getting an eye-opening lesson on the tragic effects of drinking and driving.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[As prom season is gets under way, ABC7's Roz Varon shows us how some Chicago students are getting an eye-opening lesson on the tragic effects of drinking and driving.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Operation Prom Night]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:19:13 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Teen driving program promotes safe habits</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=9066592&rss=rss-wls-article-9066592]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The parking lots at U.S. Cellular Field will be filled with screeching tires, music blasting from cars and texting while driving.  It's all part of the Ford Driving Skills for Life Program that takes drivers ed one step further.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The parking lots at U.S. Cellular Field will be filled with screeching tires, music blasting from cars and texting while driving.  It's all part of the Ford Driving Skills for Life Program that takes drivers ed one step further.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Teen driving program, Ford Driving Skills for Life Program, distracted driving, texting while driving, U.S. Cellular Field drivers ed, teen drivers ed]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:50:43 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>WB I-80 reopens after fatal semi collision at I-55</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9059545&rss=rss-wls-article-9059545]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Two semi-trucks collided on Interstate 80 early Wednesday, killing one of the drivers and temporarily closing the expressway to westbound traffic in Joliet, state police said.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Two semi-trucks collided on Interstate 80 early Wednesday, killing one of the drivers and temporarily closing the expressway to westbound traffic in Joliet, state police said.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[I-80 closed, fatal semi crash, I-55, chicago traffic, joliet]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:18:58 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Damen-Fullerton intersection to get makeover</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=9059558&rss=rss-wls-article-9059558]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The reconstruction of a major Chicago intersection will displace some businesses in the area, the mayor's office said Wednesday.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The reconstruction of a major Chicago intersection will displace some businesses in the area, the mayor's office said Wednesday.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Damen, Fullerton, Elston intersection, chicago]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 21:43:16 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Semis overturn near Rochelle on Reagan ramp</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local/illinois&id=9059722&rss=rss-wls-article-9059722]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Illinois State Police say multiple semi-trucks overturned where I-88 intersects with I-39 near Rochelle in Ogle County.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Illinois State Police say multiple semi-trucks overturned where I-88 intersects with I-39 near Rochelle in Ogle County.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Semis overturn near Rochelle on Reagan Tollway]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:47:41 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Cold weather driving tips from IDOT</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=8966195&rss=rss-wls-article-8966195]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Be sure to check forecast before heading out.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Be sure to check forecast before heading out. Plan ahead and make sure the trip is necessary - combining multiple stops into one trip whenever possible.
Allow your vehicle a little extra time to warm up.
Always keep your gas tank 2/3's full to prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.
Carry mobile device with telephone numbers for emergency services ie; *999 for IDOT and Tollway, AAA,  
Carry an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit. Especially for long distant trips.
Make sure family members are aware of your plans if driving alone.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Cold weather driving tips from IDOT]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:00:23 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Illinois Tollway to Provide Public Access to Traffic Cameras</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=8947303&rss=rss-wls-article-8947303]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Illinois Tollway today announced expanded public access to traffic images by adding the feeds from 15 traffic camera locations to its website.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The Illinois Tollway today announced expanded public access to traffic images by adding the feeds from 15 traffic camera locations to its website. www.illinoistollway.com. Customers can now access camera feeds that offer "bird's eye" views from:
•	3 cameras along the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90)
•	8 cameras along the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294)
•	2 cameras along the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355)
•	2 cameras along the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88)
 
"Customers are now able to go online anytime and see for themselves what the travel conditions are like on their way to their destinations," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. "Our goal in posting these images online is to give our customers another valuable source of information to help them manage their travel decisions."
 
The camera feeds are easily accessible by selecting the "View Traffic Cameras" link on the Tollway's homepage. This link directs customers to the Illinois Tollway Virtual Map, a clickable map that allows customers to zoom in on a section of the Illinois Tollway system and select a camera icon to get a view from that location.  Most cameras offer customers multiple roadway views. Customers can click on the "Traffic Cameras" tab located in the left navigation bar to identify camera locations. Camera images are uploaded approximately every five minutes, and viewers must refresh the page to view updates. Image quality is dependent on weather conditions.
 
 
 
 
 
The traffic cameras are just one option Illinois Tollway customers have to get the latest travel information. Other options include:
•	1-800-TOLL-FYI – Daily lane closure information
•	www.travelmidwest.com – Real-time travel times
•	www.nbcchicago.com – Up-to-the-minute traffic by roadway
•	www.twitter.com – Real-time roadway incident information at Tollway Trip 90, Tollway Trip 88, Tollway Trip 355 and Tollway Trip 94/294
 
About the Illinois Tollway
The Illinois Tollway is a user-fee system that receives no state or federal funds for maintenance and operations. The agency maintains and operates 286 miles of interstate tollways in 12 counties in Northern Illinois, including the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88), the Veterans Memorial Tollway (I-355), the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) and the Tri-State Tollway (I-94/I-294/I-80).]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Illinois Tollway to Provide Public Access to Traffic Cameras]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:59:38 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Bike lanes to open on Dearborn over weekend</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=8918628&rss=rss-wls-article-8918628]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The new two-way bike lanes going in on Dearborn in the Loop haven't officially opened yet, and people already either love them or hate them.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[If you come to downtown Chicago, chances are you've noticed how cars are being pushed aside to make way for bicyclists on a major street.

The new bike lanes along Dearborn open this weekend, but already they're causing some bottlenecks for drivers.

Move over drivers, there's a new king of the road downtown on Dearborn.

Patrick Gallagher's 30-minute commute by bike will get a bit easier.

The city's new mile-long north-south protected bike lane includes everything from specialized traffic signals to turn lanes.  Two-wheeled commuters are separated from those on four wheels by moving parking spots into the road.

Drivers, though, have lost some room and that's led, at times, to gridlock.

"It's going to create additional traffic down here and already Chicago traffic is not good," said Tracy Patterson.

"Anytime you put something out there like this there's an adjustment period," said Chicago Department of Transportation's Gabe Klein. "Change is hard, even on a street like Dearborn with not enough cars and too much space."

Meanwhile in two North Side neighborhoods, there is a proposal to allow bikers to truly rule the road.

Lakeview Alderman Tom Tunney, an avid cyclist, plans to meet with residents to discuss a plan to convert School Street into bikeway.  Residents would still be allowed to park on the street, but that's about it.

"We've done a lot of north-south bike lanes in my ward, but what we don't have is an east-west path from Ashland to the lakefront," Tunney said.

Tunney said it would be the ultimate calming effect in a community already clamoring for speed bumps and green space.

"It will slow down the traffic. I think it'll make it safer," he said.

But bicyclists' gain may be drivers' pain.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Chicago bike lanes to open on Dearborn in Loop]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 13 Dec 2012 22:49:02 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Construction ends: Wacker Drive open on both upper, lower levels</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=8902466&rss=rss-wls-article-8902466]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[On Friday, commuters heard the long-awaited words: Wacker Drive is open!]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Construction on Wacker Drive has taken two long years- nearly three if one counts the advance work on the lower level. On Friday, commuters will hear the long awaited words- Wacker Drive is open!

"Six-thousand vehicles use Wacker on a daily basis and 150-thousand pedestrians, so I think with the improvements that have been made, the flow of traffic is going to be a lot easier," said Ann Schneider, Illinois Secretary of Transportation.

The most noticeable change in the north/south stretch of the new Wacker Drive is the elimination of all but two access ramps between the upper and lower levels- one southbound at Randolph, and one northbound at Monroe.  Fewer merge points should ease congestion and improve safety.

One of the biggest changes in the reconstruction is where Lower Wacker Drive merges onto the outbound Eisenhower. In the old design, traffic from Lower Wacker as well as from Franklin merged into the outbound Eisenhower, but the new design is wider and safer.

"There's going to be a dedicated merge lane now when you're coming off Wacker onto the Eisenhower that's going to be a much safer movement for motorists, they'll have a lane to accelerate in before they have to merge into traffic," said Schneider.

There are more improvements to Lower Wacker. The vertical clearance is one foot higher. The service lanes are separated from through traffic to ease congestion.  The lighting is brighter and a new ventilation system will improve air quality.

Coordinating a project of this magnitude was complicated, dealing with a double-decker roadway, as well reconstructing the viaducts and bridges that connect to the east-west portion of Wacker Drive.  

Because of new construction technology, officials expect the new Wacker Drive to last for 100 years.

"If you invest in your infrastructure, your roads, your rails and your runways, there is nobody that will ever beat the City of Chicago when it comes to the modern economy," said Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

Governor Pat Quinn  joined Emanuel to celebrate Friday morning, shaking hands with workers and transportation officials.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[On Friday, commuters heard the long-awaited words: Wacker Drive is open!]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 21:49:00 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Wacker/Jackson intersection reopens after construction</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8887301&rss=rss-wls-article-8887301]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The intersection of Wacker and Jackson reopened after a six-month reconstruction project.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Just in time for the lunch crowd Thursday, the intersection of Wacker and Jackson reopened as well as Jackson between Canal and Franklin.

The intersection was closed last June as part of the massive Wacker Drive reconstruction project.
 
"What we wanted to do was move sequentially, then open things … to minimize the disruption to people," said Woods. 

Jackson and other Wacker Drive intersections are close to the Union and Ogilvie train stations.

Cab driver Sylvester McClure said he is likely to pick up an extra three or four fares a day now that Jackson has reopened.  In addition, McClure says Wacker Drive closures cost his customers more money. 

"It was more inconvenient for customers because it added a buck or $2 fare," said McClure.

There are many relieved pedestrians  who spent months dealing with the closures as they navigated their way to the train stations or to lunch.

"It was real  inconvenient" said Ray Tran, pedestrian.</p><p>

"We had this maze over here for most of the summer, it usually got crowded.  It's nice that it open," said Greg Gard, pedestrian. 

However, the free-flowing traffic is an adjustment for many pedestrians who became used to walking in the middle of close streets.

"It was great we didn't have to worry about cars coming at cabs especially," said Vickie Posluszny, pedestrian.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Wacker/Jackson intersection reopens after construction]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:53:19 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Preview of new and improved Wacker Drive</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8835872&rss=rss-wls-article-8835872]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Wacker Drive project is scheduled to wrap up in less than two months.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The Wacker Drive project is scheduled to wrap up in less than two months.

The new and improved Wacker Drive is starting to take shape, after nearly two years of reconstruction, the $303 million project will open under budget and on schedule in December.

"We worked very hard in Springfield to pass a law called the Illinois Job Recovery Act and we were able to get the resources, the funding necessary to invest in this project," said Gov. Pat Quinn. 

The section of Upper and Lower Wacker from Randolph to Congress will have many safety features, from a stronger concrete deck to fewer access points between upper and lower levels.

Lower Wacker is still closed to through traffic, but ABC7 had an opportunity to drive a section of it.  The new design separates the delivery area from the thoroughfare.  There are nine ventilation systems to remove exhaust and other pollutants. 

Part of Lower Wacker will ultimately be the new entrance ramp to the outbound Eisenhower. It's wider, about a foot taller and better lit.  In fact, the entire Franklin/Wacker/Eisenhower interchange will be safer.

"When you're coming off of Lower Wacker heading westbound on Congress, you'll have a dedicated lane so that it will be easier to merge on there and not be butting into traffic," said Dan Gross, Wacker Drive resident engineer.

The area above that interchange will be 34 acres of green space: two parks on either side of Congress and a dog park on the northwest corner.

When the entire project wraps up officials say it will last for 100 years.  Weather permitting, Upper and Lower Wacker will be open for your driving pleasure in December.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Wacker Drive construction project to wrap by December | New and improved Upper and Lower Wacker Drive]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Thu, 04 Oct 2012 22:24:23 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Lake Shore Drive viaduct repair creates detours</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8830477&rss=rss-wls-article-8830477]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Get ready for another Lake Shore Drive construction detour as work begins Monday morning that will close the on-ramp to northbound Lake Shore Drive at Michigan Avenue and Oak Street.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Get ready for another Lake Shore Drive construction detour as work begins Monday morning that will close the on-ramp to northbound Lake Shore Drive at Michigan Avenue and Oak Street. 

The Chicago Department of Transportation says the on-ramp will close for six weeks.

Crews will repair a nearly 50-year-old viaduct there.

The almost $2 million project is set to last until mid-November.

Drivers will have to take the inner drive north to LaSalle where they can get on Lake Shore Drive.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Get ready for another Lake Shore Drive construction detour as work begins Monday morning that will close the on-ramp to northbound Lake Shore Drive at Michigan Avenue and Oak Street.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 14:23:26 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Open house set on Route 47 interchange project on I-90, the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8822321&rss=rss-wls-article-8822321]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Illinois Tollway and Del Webb's Sun City will host a public open house Tuesday for the Illinois Route 47 Interchange Project on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) to provide business and community members with a construction update.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[With the Chicago teachers union suspending their strike earlier this week, CPS athletes were able to return to the gridiron for the first time Saturday.

Other fall sports were on hiatus during the teachers strike, but now the season is back on track.

North Lawndale and Lake View High Schools battled at lane tech stadium on the Northwest Side.

Earlier, Mayor Rahm Emanuel took in some of the action at the Westinghouse versus Corliss game.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[The Illinois Tollway and Del Webb's Sun City will host an public open house for the Illinois Route 47 Interchange Project on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) to providecommunity members with a construction update, according to a release]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:56:48 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Waze traffic app provides cheap gas info</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources&id=8708384&rss=rss-wls-article-8708384]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[It's the summer travel season, and that could mean a road trip for you and your family. Now, there's a new way to find the cheapest gas prices.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[It's the summer travel season, and that could mean a road trip for you and your family. Now, there's a new way to find the cheapest gas prices.  
<p>When you're on the move, you may not have time to sit and look for gas stations with the cheapest prices.  Well now, Waze, the app that gives you directions and real-time traffic updates can save you money on your next fill-up.

</p><p> Waze is going beyond directions, accident information and construction updates and giving you real-time gas prices to help you find the cheapest deals on your drive!
</p><p> "Cheap gas prices? I drive a cab and I'm always interested in cheap gas prices!" said Lamont Harper.
</p><p> "I think it would be great, particularly based on what I just spent!  I love it!" motorist Barbara Hausman said.
</p><p> Finding those cheap gas prices is easy.  First, make sure you've downloaded the latest version of Waze on your iPad, iPhone or other smartphone.  Once you've done that and have the app open, tap on the menu icon in the lower left corner and tap "Navigate."  You'll see the new "category" option; tap that to  search for gas stations in your area, and that will show you real-time prices near you.
</p><p> Here's another feature -- if you find a different price at a station when you stop to fill up, you can put in that information for other Wazers to see as well.
</p><p> To report a gas price, tap on the tear drop shaped icon in the lower right corner and then tap gas prices.  This will allow you to input the most current price.
</p><p> The iPhone version of the Waze app does allow for hands-free use, but it won't let you make reports if you're on another smartphone and you're driving, so remember, safety first.  The same great features of the Waze app are still there with this new version.  You'll still get turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic conditions like crashes and construction, and you also can continue to give your own incident reports.
</p><p>
Remember, the easiest way to get Waze is to go to our website abc7chicago.com or the app stores on iPhone or iPad, and it's also available in the Android marketplace.  Once you have it downloaded, make sure you join our Waze group - ABC 7 Traffic Trackers, so you can join all the other Wazers in our traffic community!  
</p>]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Waze traffic app provides cheap gas info]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jun 2012 22:01:57 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Jackson intersection closing, Monroe reopens in Wacker construction</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=resources/traffic&id=8702368&rss=rss-wls-article-8702368]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[The Jackson Boulevard intersection at Wacker Drive will close Monday as the Chicago Department of Transportation opens the new Monroe Street intersection and begins the final phase of the $300 million Wacker reconstruction project.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[The Jackson Boulevard intersection at Wacker Drive will close Monday as the Chicago Department of Transportation opens the new Monroe Street intersection and begins the final phase of the $300 million Wacker reconstruction project.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Jackson intersection closing, Monroe reopens in Wacker Drive reconstruction project in Chicago]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:17:08 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Eisenhower ramps may be revamped</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8697665&rss=rss-wls-article-8697665]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[A couple left-lane ramps on the Eisenhower Expressway may move to the right under a plan to improve safety access to the Ike at Austin and Harlem.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[A couple left-lane ramps on the Eisenhower Expressway may move to the right under a plan to improve safety access to the Ike at Austin and Harlem.

<p>
An Illinois Department of Transportation spokesman tells the Chicago Tribune that left side ramps have a 49 percent higher rate of crashes than right-side ramps. 
</p> <p>

The eight-mile stretch of i-290 between Mannheim Rd. and Cicero Ave. has 2,000 crashes a year.
</p>]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[A couple left-lane ramps on the Eisenhower Expressway may move to the right under a plan to improve safety access to the Ike at Austin and Harlem.]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jun 2012 03:15:20 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>LSD to be shut down Grand to McCormick Place Sunday</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8668396&rss=rss-wls-article-8668396]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Lake Shore Drive will see an additional shutdown Sunday afternoon and evening due to the NATO summit.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Lake Shore Drive will see an additional shutdown Sunday afternoon and evening due to the NATO summit.
LSD will be closed in both directions between Grand and McCormick Place from 4-11 p.m.

After 11 p.m., the originally scheduled closure between Balbo and 39th Street will still be in effect.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Lake Shore Drive to be shut down from Grand to McCormick Place Sunday afternoon, evening]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Sun, 20 May 2012 14:17:04 GMT</pubDate>
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<title>Congress Bridge completely reopened</title>
<link><![CDATA[http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=8660977&rss=rss-wls-article-8660977]]></link>
<description><![CDATA[Work on the Congress Bridge and Parkway is now complete, meaning there are now four lanes open in each direction.]]></description>
<dig:D3text><![CDATA[Work on the Congress Bridge and Parkway is now complete, meaning there are now four lanes open in each direction. A $33 million rehab project has been under way for the last two years.
   
Construction took longer than first planned.
   It was supposed to be completed at the end of last year.
    
Illinois Department of Transportation officials said unexpected mechanical and technical problems and a brief construction workers' strike slowed the project.]]></dig:D3text>
<dig:keywords><![CDATA[Congress Bridge, Congress Parkway completely reopened in Chicago Loop]]></dig:keywords>
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<pubDate>Mon, 14 May 2012 16:33:05 GMT</pubDate>
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