Chicago commuters are facing major delays after a full closure of I-94 northbound on the Dan Ryan Expressway near 95th Street early Friday. The Illinois State Police shut down all northbound lanes as part of an active investigation, leading to severe traffic congestion and backup across parts of the South Side and beyond.
I-94 Northbound Fully Shut Down Near 95th Street
The closure is impacting one of the busiest stretches of highway in Illinois, with the Dan Ryan Expressway typically carrying over 300,000 vehicles per day. As of now:
All northbound lanes of I-94 are closed
The closure began Friday morning
There is no estimated time for reopening
Drivers have been stuck in long delays, and traffic has spilled onto nearby interstates, especially I-57, which connects directly to the affected area.
Delays Spread to I-57 and Bishop Ford Freeway
Because I-94, I-57, and the Bishop Ford Freeway all connect near the 95th Street interchange, the shutdown is causing a ripple effect throughout the network:
I-57 northbound is experiencing significant backups
The Bishop Ford Freeway is also heavily congested
Ramp closures and detours may be in effect
If you’re heading north into downtown Chicago from the south suburbs, expect long delays and prepare for extra travel time.
Suggested Alternate Routes
Motorists are strongly urged to avoid the Dan Ryan Expressway near 95th Street until further notice. Consider these alternate routes:
Lake Shore Drive (US-41) for travel along the lakefront
Halsted Street or other nearby surface streets for local access
Tri-State Tollway (I-294) for longer commutes or through traffic
Use real-time navigation apps to stay informed about current detour options and traffic flow.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Authorities have not released any details about the reason for the police investigation causing the shutdown. As of now, it remains an active scene, and updates are expected as the situation develops.
Commuters and travelers are advised to:
Stay tuned to local traffic updates
Follow Illinois State Police and IDOT social media
Avoid the area if possible
Key Impacts for Friday Travel
| Affected Routes | Impact | Alternate Routes |
|---|---|---|
| I-94 (Dan Ryan NB) | Full closure at 95th | I-294, Lake Shore Drive |
| I-57 Northbound | Heavy delays/backups | Halsted St., local roads |
| Bishop Ford (I-94) | Significant congestion | Avoid area, seek detours |
A major traffic disruption is unfolding in Chicago as a full closure of I-94 northbound near 95th Street snarls traffic on some of the busiest highways in the state. With I-57 and the Bishop Ford Freeway also impacted, travelers should expect heavy delays and use alternate routes like Lake Shore Drive or I-294 until the roadway reopens. Updates will follow as police provide more information about the investigation.
