Chicago prepares for Mexican Independence Day, warns of likely Loop traffic

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) says it expects to see heavy travel and traffic delays during Mexican Independence Day festivities this weekend.

Earlier this week, OEMC issued an advisory announcing street closures and warned residents to expect “increased traffic in the downtown area.”

The advisory came after recent years in which residents, tourists and workers have been stranded by the city's surprise downtown closures of streets and expressway ramps.

Officials said those who live in the impacted areas would be able to access the Central Business District at the following intersections:

-Halsted and Division Streets
-Halsted Street and Chicago Avenue
-Halsted and Washington Streets
-Halsted and Madison Streets
-Halsted Street and Jackson Boulevard
-Division and LaSalle Streets
-Roosevelt Road and Canal Street
-Desplaines and Canal Streets
-18th and State Streets
-18th Street and Michigan Avenue
-18th Street and Indiana Avenue

The department reminds those participating in Mexican Independence Day festivities to be respectful of neighbors, communities and those trying to get to and from work.

Among the planned celebrations: El Grito Festival , which takes place Saturday and Sunday in Grant Park, and the 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade, which kicks off Sunday at noon.

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