Chicago streets closed ahead of NASCAR street race
CHICAGO, Illi. (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - Street closures are taking place in Chicago ahead of the first ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race, which takes place this weekend.
Some commuters and residents are starting to feel the pinch as more streets shut down ahead of this weekend's festivities.
It's the final push to close additional streets for NASCAR Chicago in five days.The Curving Congress Plaza Drive is closed.
Also shut down: A lane eastbound on Roosevelt between Columbus and Lake Shore Drive (LSD).
Patience's wearing thin
On Sunday, Jackson and Columbus were blocked off and traffic started funneling onto LSD and Michigan Avenue.
"A lot of fences, a lot of seating, a lot of chaos a lot of disruption. I could go on, but that about covers it," said Bill Parkhurst, a Field Museum docent.
On northbound Michigan, Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) buses no longer have the right lane to use, and patience is wearing thin and the major closures are still coming Wednesday.
"That's the other thing: Traffic on the Kennedy, thats why I took the blue line," Parkhurst detailed.
Taking advantage
Loop and South Loop residents who can walk are taking advantage.
"It's just cool to see all the stuff thats going up and everything. I see all the road closed signs, and will wonder 'Where are people gonna go? Are they prepared? Do they even know about it?'" said Evan Thomas, who lives and works in Loop.
