On Monday, November 3, 2025, the Ashland Avenue exit on the inbound I-55 Stevenson expressway will close for months to accommodate roadwork, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) announced in a bulletin.
“The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area,” IDOT announced. “The closure is necessary to accommodate retaining wall and pavement repairs.”
The work is expected to be completed in February 2026, IDOT said.
Pilsen Neighborhood Detour
The closing ramp is part of an exit also with an off-ramp to South Damen Avenue, joining at approximately 3100 South Damen Avenue. Exit traffic to South Ashland Avenue normally travels beneath the expressway to join Ashland next to the 35th/Ashland Orange Line El station.
During construction, all exiting traffic will be directed to the Damen exit, with an IDOT-recommended 2.4-mile detour north on Damen, east on West Cermak Road and then south on South Ashland Avenue.
McKinley Park Shortcut
A 0.8-mile route to the same spot travels through the McKinley Park neighborhood: south on Damen Avenue, east on West 33rd Street and north on South Archer Avenue to South Ashland Avenue.
Other routes back to the Ashland exit underpass may be available on South Wolcott Avenue from West 33rd Street, and South Wood Street north of South Archer Avenue.
IDOT recommended that drivers avoid the area. “Alternate routes are encouraged,” the agency said.
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