Fire closes ramp from outbound Dan Ryan to outbound Stevenson

Drivers trying to reach the outbound Stevenson Expressway from downtown are in for a headache.

A feeder ramp connecting the outbound Dan Ryan Expressway to the outbound Stevenson Expressway closed early Thursday morning due to a fire and will remained closed until inspectors determine whether it’s safe.

“When will it reopen and what repairs will be necessary, I don’t know,” Illinois Department of Transportation spokeswoman Maria Castaneda said Thursday afternoon. “We won’t know until inspectors get back to us, which could be later today.”

In the meantime, motorists are being rerouted east toward Lake Shore Drive where they will exit at King Drive in order to get on the outbound Stevenson Expressway, Castaneda said.

The ramp carries about 25,000 vehicles a day, including many trucks, Castaneda said.

A Chicago Fire Department spokesman said a rubbish fire was reported underneath the ramp but couldn’t provide additional details.

“Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment,” according to IDOT.