A tight security perimeter is being established around McCormick Place for the Democratic National Convention, Aug. 19-22. (Vito Palmisano / iStock)
The Democratic National Convention doesn’t get underway until Aug. 19, but the traffic headaches have already started.
Preliminary rolling parking restrictions and street closures are in effect around McCormick Place and the United Center as crews have begun prepping the venues for the anticipated arrival of delegates.
These initial closures will be followed by more extensive restrictions at McCormick Place on Friday and the United Center on Saturday as security perimeters are established.
Here’s what to know about navigating your way to, or around, each site.
1. Subscribe to updates
There are multiple ways to receive alerts not only about street closures and traffic jams, but any sort of emergency in Chicago.
— Sign up for NotifyChicago, which sends texts and/or e-mail alerts.
— Download the Chicago OEMC app for iPhone or Android, or visit the Office of Emergency Management Communications website. OEMC also posts notifications on X (formerly Twitter). Come for the DNC info, stay for the Chicago weather forecasts.
— DNC text alerts relating to traffic and public safety will be issued through Aug. 25. To sign up, text “DNC” to 226787. These same notifications will be shared via the OEMC app and social media.
2. Plan ahead
“There will be traffic delays. But that’s Chicago. We always have traffic delays,” Derek Mayer, special agent in charge, United States Secret Service, said at a press briefing Tuesday.
But motorists aren’t the only ones who can expect to encounter roadblocks: cyclists, rideshare users, pedestrians and transit riders will be affected as well.
Maps of the restricted areas around McCormick Place and the United Center show screening checkpoints — including a separate checkpoint for delivery vehicles — and a tighter perimeter for pedestrians only. Drop-off and pick-up points have been designated for rideshare/taxi passengers, and a number of CTA buses are being rerouted.
An added wrinkle: No trucks or anything larger than passenger cars will be permitted on Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in both directions.
Chicagoans can also expect the unexpected in the form of VIP motorcades snarling traffic on expressways. President Joe Biden, as well as former presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, have been announced as convention speakers.
3. Memorize these maps
McCormick Place DNC Zone
Though much of the focus has been on the United Center since Chicago was announced as the 2024 DNC host, a lot of the nitty-gritty convention business will happen at McCormick Place, including daily delegate caucuses, as well as morning press briefings.
Restrictions around McCormick Place will affect traffic, parking and pedestrians. (City of Chicago)
Take note:
The rideshare and taxi drop-off/pick-up point at McCormick Place is on South Wabash Avenue between 23rd and 24th streets.
Beginning Friday, the following buses are being rerouted around McCormick Place (click link for map of alternate route):
— #1 Bronzeville/Union Station
— #4 and #X4 Cottage Grove/Cottage Grove Express
Street closures around McCormick Place begin Aug. 16 at 10 p.m. and will include:
- Indiana Avenue from 18th Street to East 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st Street to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- MLK Drive from Cermak Road to 25th Street
- East 21st Street from South Michigan Avenue to South Calumet Avenue
United Center DNC Zone
Access to the area surrounding the United Center will be restricted during the Democratic National Convention. (City of Chicago)
Take note:
The rideshare and taxi drop-off/pick-up point at the United Center is at West Madison Street and North Paulina Street.
Beginning Saturday, the following buses are being rerouted around the United Center (click link for map of alternate route):
Street closures near the United Center will begin Aug. 17 at 7 p.m. and are set to include:
- West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
- Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
- West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
- South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
- South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street
Contact Patty Wetli: @pattywetli | (773) 509-5623 | [email protected]
