Chicago Winter Weather Precautions

The Chicago Office of Emergency Communications has issued a reminder to all residents to prepare for the cold temperatures that are forecasted this weekend. The National Weather Service in Chicago is forecasting moderate snow throughout this weekend and wind chills reaching -30°F. The City of Chicago operates 284 public warming centers during the winter season. A list of these centers operating this weekend can be found by clicking .

Additionally, the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) operates 21 that act as warming centers during extreme cold. These centers are open 8:30am - 4:30pm, with the exception of Renaissance Court (78 E Washington), which is open 10am - 5pm.

Cold-Weather Tips:

Motorists should take extra precautions to winterize vehicles and have necessary supplies on-the-go. Keep in mind, disabled vehicles or distracted driving can cause accidents, impact traffic, or require emergency services.
Residents should know the signs and care of frostbite and hypothermia.
Avoid unnecessary trips outside. If you must go out, limit the time you stay outside.
Wear several layers of loose, warm cloth.
Keep your head, hands and feet covered when outdoors.
Stay dry because moisture can damage the insulation effectiveness of clothing.
Pay extra attention to your daily needs: get enough sleep, eat high energy foods, drink warm beverages to help your body stay warm, and avoid alcoholic beverages.

For winter preparation information and resources, visit .

Winter Parking Restrictions Reminder

With recent and forecasted snowfall, we would like to remind all residents of the winter weather parking restrictions that run from December 1 - April 1, 3am - 7am daily. A posted “No Parking” between 3am and 7am sign means that the winter overnight parking ban is in effect on that street whether snow is present or not. Violating vehicles could be ticketed or towed. An example of this signage is below.

Separately, the city also posts signage for designated “Snow Routes,” which is displayed below. At the curb lane where this signage is posted, parking is only prohibited when over 2” of snow is present. Visit the City of Chicago's page to learn more. You can also visit for a live snowplow tracker and other winter weather information.

Chicago Farmers Market Vendor Applications Close January 30

The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs is currently accepting vendors for Chicago’s Daley Plaza Farmers Market. If you are a producer or creator of handmade and natural goods that would like to join the community of vendors, please visit . Applications close January 30.

Options at the market will include fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, baked goods, and crafted items. The Chicago Farmers Market at Daley Plaza (50 W Washington St) opens May 21.

CAPS Meetings

18th District: (312-742-5778 / [email protected])

There are no remaining beat meetings for this district in the month of January.

1st District: (312-745-4381 / [email protected])

Beat 114 CAPS meeting will be held on Wednesday, February 4 at 6pm at Maggie Daley Fieldhouse (337 E Randolph St).

To find your appropriate beat to attend your CAPS meeting, please .

42nd Ward Traffic Closures & Construction Projects

Public Assembly:

Chicagimiga Motorcade Traveling Through Downtown

On Saturday, January 24, an assembly of vehicles will be traveling through downtown around 3pm. The assembly begins in Evanston and will eventually travel on Lake Shore Drive, Michigan Avenue, Roosevelt Road, Columbus Drive, and Idea B Wells Drive. The group will consist of 40 vehicles and approximately 100 participants. The assembly will disband at 4pm on 1/24. No street closures are expected as a result.

Lake Shore Drive (Michigan & Ida B Wells)

On Saturday, January 24, a group will assemble near Michigan Ave and Ida B Wells Dr. The group may attempt to block Lake Shore Drive, so drivers are warned to prepare extra travel time on 1/24.The City estimates there could be up to 1,000 participants. The assembly will begin at 11am.

Lake Street Bascule Bridge Construction Update

Work continues on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge. Overnight work is now underway and will continue until January 26, weather permitting. The sidewalk from Lake St to 150 N Riverside will remain closed until Summer 2026.The Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to re-open by the end of February 2028. For the detour map, (note: the Canal St detour listed is no longer in effect).

Canal St Reconstruction

Canal St is currently undergoing reconstruction. During Phase 1 of the project, the east half of Canal St between Adams and Madison will be blocked, and parking on Canal between Adams and Madison will be prohibited. Two lanes on the west side of Canal St will be maintained for northbound traffic. These closures will last until late 2026. Pedestrian traffic will be maintained on the west side of Canal St. Taxis and rideshares will be directed to follow the guidelines listed . Please for a flyer of the impact to vehicle and pedestrian access, and for the affected CTA bus routes.

Ohio / Ontario Feeder Ramp

As reported in a previous , the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) on completing phase 3 of its work on the Ohio / Ontario Street Feeder Ramps. IDOT's press release on these closures can be found .

Bridge Construction Updates

As reported in a past , construction continues on several downtown bridges, and Alderman Reilly has expressed his frustration with CDOT for a lack of coordination and planning. Traffic aides have been placed on Kingsbury at Chicago, Grand, and Erie to ease congestion. Stay tuned for future updates regarding traffic aides, detours, and closures.

The State Street Bridge project is estimated to be completed by Spring 2026, the approximate completion date for the Chicago Avenue Bridge is January 2027, and the Lake Street Bridge will be completed by the end of February 2028.

River North CTA Bus Reroutes and Navy Pier Schedule Revision

Due to excessive congestion in River North, the westbound #66 bus no longer stops at Hudson or Kingsbury on Chicago Ave. This schedule matches that of the eastbound #66 bus. Additionally, the #66 and #8 buses will now be rerouted southbound via Wells St instead of Kingsbury St to access Grand Ave from Chicago Ave.

In response to resident concerns and at Alderman Reilly’s request, the first westbound CTA #124 bus will now depart Navy Pier at 8:10am on weekdays. has been in effect since December 21.

114 E Oak Façade Work

A partial sidewalk closure is in place for construction on the façade at 114 E Oak. 8 feet of sidewalk clearance will be maintained, and the barricades around the construction site will be removed by early February.