NASCAR’s Chicago Street Race will "affect traffic on DuSable Lake Shore Drive more than previously expected," according to David Struett of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. Chicago transportation officials said that drivers will "have to merge along an 8-mile section of DuSable between North Avenue and 47th Street." Struett noted for seven days, from June 28 to July 4, southbound traffic on DuSable will be "reduced to two lanes" at North Avenue and to "one lane at Chicago Avenue." Northbound travel on DLSD will be "affected for only the two days of race weekend," July 1-2. Chicago Dept. of Transportation First Deputy Commissioner Tom Carney said that "drivers should plan ahead, just as they would for any other major event downtown, such as Lollapalooza or New Years Eve." Carney: "Really this event is no different. While it’s the first time the city had this event, plus some different roadway closures, ... the philosophy is the same about planning ahead." To give drivers notice, the city has plans for an "extensive array of signs to warn and direct drivers." NASCAR "estimates 100,000 people will attend the races over the weekend." When asked if the city is "willing to repeat all of the work for the NASCAR race expected next year," Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications Manager/Emergency Management Services Christopher Pettineo said, "I think I can speak for everyone that this is a first-time event, and if we didn’t get the planning right the first time around, then shame on us. We’re not going to drop the ball. We can’t. We’re Chicago" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 6/13).
NASCAR
