The city of Chicago is gearing up to host the highly anticipated Democratic National Convention in mid-August. With this event comes extensive road closures and pedestrian restrictions, which have been announced by officials for the safety and security of all attendees.
During a press conference held on Thursday, officials revealed the dates and locations of the road closures around the two main sites of the convention – the United Center and McCormick Place. These closures will go into effect on Saturday, August 17th at the United Center and Friday, August 16th at McCormick Place.
Access to these areas will be limited in two ways. The first is through a “red” area, which will be fenced in and staffed by police and security officers. Only those with proper credentials and identification will be allowed to enter this area. The second is through a “yellow” area, where vehicles entering will be subject to search by the Secret Service and FBI.
Businesses located within the red-shaded areas will only be permitted to serve convention guests, while those in the yellow-shaded areas can continue operating as usual. A map has been released for each of the two areas impacted by the convention, providing a clear understanding of the boundaries and restrictions.
At the United Center, the pedestrian access boundary will be in effect in four different locations. The first is on the far north end, between Washington Boulevard on the north, Damen Avenue on the west, Wood Street on the east, and Warren Boulevard on the south. The second is just north of the United Center, bounded by Warren Boulevard on the north, Hoyne Avenue on the west, parking lot boundaries on the east, and Madison Street on the south. The third quadrant will feature street closures between Madison Avenue on the north, Seeley Avenue on the west, parking lots on the east, and Monroe Street on the south. The final quadrant south of the arena will be bounded by Monroe Street on the north, Seeley Avenue on the west, Honore Street on the east, and Adams Street on the south. In addition, South Damen Avenue from Jackson to Adams will also be pedestrian-restricted.
Vehicles will also be subject to screening in three designated areas. The first is on North Wolcott between Washington Boulevard and Maypole Avenue north of the arena. The second is an area bounded by Monroe Street on the north, Honore Street on the west, Paulina Street on the east, and Adams Street on the south. The third is near Malcolm X College, where parking will also be subject to vehicle screening. A vehicle screening checkpoint will also be available near the intersection of Monroe Street and Paulina Street.
Officials have announced that enforcement of boundaries around the United Center will begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 17th – two days before the start of the convention.
At McCormick Place, the areas surrounding the west building will be pedestrian-restricted, including South Martin Luther King Drive and East 24th Place. South Michigan Avenue between 24th Place and 25th Street will also be restricted, as will Cermak Road between Wabash Avenue and Michigan Avenue. Vehicles will be subject to screening in an area bound by McCormick Place South on the eastern border, 25th Street on the south, South Michigan Avenue on the west, and 21st Street on the north.
Several streets will also be subject to vehicle screening, including Cullerton Street between 18th Street and 21st Street, Prairie Avenue between Cullerton and 21st Street, 23rd Street between Wabash and Michigan Avenue, and 24th Street between Wabash and Michigan Avenue. Vehicle checkpoints will be located at the intersection of Cermak Road and Wabash Avenue on the northwest side of the convention area, and near the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and 25th Street.
In addition, during the convention, no semi-trucks will be permitted on the Stevenson Expressway between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street. Motorists can also expect rolling closures on the Stevenson and DuSable Lake Shore Drive for motorcades of public officials.
The city of Chicago is excited and honored to host the Democratic National Convention. These road closures and pedestrian restrictions are necessary for the safety and security of all attendees. We ask for the cooperation and understanding of all citizens during this time. Let’s come together and make this event a success for our city and our country.
