US: Chicago protesters to disrupt traffic to O'Hare Airport Sep. 3 /update 1

Event

Anti-violence advocates in Chicago (Illinois) plan to stage a protest on part of the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90) on Monday, September 3, disrupting traffic to and from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) on Labor Day. Demonstrators reportedly plan to meet at the Cumberland Avenue entrance ramp between 11:00 and 12:00 (local time) before marching along the expressway to the River Road entrance ramp, where they intend to cross the median and block traffic in both directions. Organizers have expressed that their goal is to shut down traffic to and from ORD to draw attention to their cause, namely, to highlight a lack of educational and economic opportunities for under-served communities, condemn violence, and call for the departures of Chicago's mayor and police superintendent. 

A spokesperson for Illinois State Police has said that the demonstrators will not be allowed to interrupt traffic, adding that they have plans in place to respond to the protest. Nonetheless, significant transportation delays on the Kennedy Expressway surrounding ORD are possible; Monday is also Labor Day, a US federal holiday and a particularly busy travel day across the country. The CTA Blue Line, which provides rapid transit train service to ORD, is not expected to be affected by Monday's protest action (although increased congestion is likely).  

Context

A related demonstration shut down rush-hour traffic on Lake Shore Drive on August 2.

Advice

Potentially affected individuals are advised to monitor developments to the situation, allow for additional time to reach their destinations in the vicinity of Monday's protest, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.