The I-290 expressway has been a physical barrier and a source of harmful environmental and health effects for residents of chicago's west side ever since its construction destroyed homes and…

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) was awarded a $2,000,000 Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration under the Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Discretionary Grant Program (CFDA 20.940). The grant will fund planning studies and capital construction activities to remove, retrofit, or mitigate the I-290 expressway, which has acted as a physical and environmental barrier dividing Chicago's West Side communities since its construction. The project aims to improve community safety, cohesion, and quality of life by enhancing connectivity over and around I-290 to better serve the needs of local residents. The grant award has an ultimate completion date of March 31, 2030.

The I-290 expressway has been a physical barrier and a source of harmful environmental and health effects for residents of chicago's west side ever since its construction destroyed homes and businesses and displaced entire communities. Recognizing the harmful legacy of these past actions, the city of chicago plans to set a new course by improving community safety, cohesion, and quality of life through a plan for enhanced connectivity over and around I-290 that serves the needs of residents living and working in these communities.