Politics
Mayor’s 2026 Street Resurfacing Timeline Sets Old Town Chi Work for September Start
Old Town Chi residents will face scheduled lane closures and detours on Wells Street and North Avenue beginning in September 2026 under the city’s new resurfacing schedule.
How we reported this
The Chicago mayor’s office released the implementation timeline for the 2026 Street Resurfacing Program on July 7. The policy directs crews to begin work in Old Town Chi during the fourth quarter of this year. Residents along Wells Street between North Avenue and Division Street will see the first closures.
Why the schedule matters now
The city council approved the capital projects list in the June 2026 budget session. That document lists Old Town Chi as one of 12 priority zones for resurfacing because pavement condition ratings there fell below city standards in the 2025 inspection cycle. The timeline released last week converts those budget lines into start dates and completion targets.
Old Town Chi commuters who drive to work on North Avenue will meet reduced lanes and temporary signals for up to six weeks per block. Delivery trucks serving restaurants on Wells Street will use designated loading zones outside peak hours. Property owners who need driveway access during construction must submit permits at least 10 business days in advance through the city’s online portal.
Budget figure and rollout sequence
The 2026 capital improvement plan shows $8.5 million assigned to the 42nd Ward segment that covers Old Town Chi. City engineers project that 1.8 miles of roadway will be milled and repaved by April 2027. Notifications will reach affected addresses by mail in August, and a public meeting is scheduled for August 19 at the Old Town School of Folk Music.
After September 1, the Department of Transportation will post daily lane-closure maps on its website. Residents can sign up for text alerts tied to their address. The government states that the full schedule will be updated every two weeks as weather and utility conflicts are resolved.
Local businesses that rely on on-street parking will receive temporary permits for loading zones during construction hours. The policy document specifies that no overnight street parking will be allowed within 200 feet of active work zones.