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Fully reopening the Loop to vehicle traffic following a several-mile NASCAR takeover could take another 10 days, despite some key downtown streets being reopened and some road barriers being removed since early Monday.

City officials said that DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive were being given top priority for reopening, though certain inner-perimeter street closures are expected to remain in effect until July 13.

All NASCAR track wall, fencing, viewing structures and other infrastructure should be taken down by July 15.

The city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication will be notifying residents and visitors as the reopening continues. More information about day-by-day reopening efforts is available online

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July 3-9

All street closures are expected to remain in effect as demobilization of the track wall, fence and viewing structures takes place.

Track wall removal begins and park areas vacated.

Pedestrians walk north, July 5, 2023, along South Columbus Drive in Grant Park past a semi-truck loaded with track barrier walls from last weekend's NASCAR Chicago Street Race.
Pedestrians walk north, July 5, 2023, along South Columbus Drive in Grant Park past a semi-truck loaded with track barrier walls from last weekend’s NASCAR Chicago Street Race.

July 10

Reopening of roads

Columbus Drive between Roosevelt Road and Jackson Boulevard

Ida B. Wells Drive between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive after track wall removal

Intersection of Jackson Boulevard and Columbus Drive after track wall removal

July 11

Reopening of roads

Columbus Drive between Balbo Drive and Jackson Boulevard after remaining track wall removed

Curb lane on northbound Columbus Drive

July 12-13

Reopening of roads

Balbo Drive between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore drives, including sidewalks

July 14-15

Reopening of roads and sidewalks

Priority streets for reopening are DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive.

Southbound Columbus Drive between Jackson Boulevard and Balbo Drive: Stripped parking designation and President’s Paddock Club removed, park area and sidewalk along west side of Columbus Drive vacated.

Activity is expected to conclude by July 15.