🚨 730 BOOM TRAFFIC & PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT: CHICAGO WARNS THE LOOP COULD BE RESTRICTED THIS WEEKEND

Chicago, if downtown is anywhere in your weekend plans, PAY ATTENTION, because getting into the Loop could become a whole different situation.

City officials are preparing for the possibility of restricting vehicle access to parts of downtown Chicago this weekend as Mexican Independence Day celebrations and several major events are expected to bring massive crowds, heavy traffic and increased activity throughout the city.

The warning comes as Chicago prepares for a packed weekend of celebrations, including El Grito Chicago in Grant Park, the 55th annual 26th Street Mexican Independence Day Parade in Little Village, additional Mexican Independence Day festivities on the Southeast Side and other events drawing people downtown.

If traffic reaches a point where streets become overwhelmed, authorities could begin limiting vehicles entering or traveling through portions of the Loop.

And before everybody starts hollering,

“THEY'RE SHUTTING DOWN DOWNTOWN!” 

that's not what officials are saying.

This is a public safety and traffic management plan that can be activated depending on crowd and traffic conditions.

Chicago has seen what Mexican Independence Day weekend can look like when thousands of people hit the streets at the same time. Car caravans, flags, horns, music and celebrations have filled downtown streets during previous years, sometimes creating gridlock that stretches for blocks.

And listen, Lady Red ain't mad at the celebration.

CELEBRATE!

Wave your flag. Play your music. Enjoy your people.

But baby, when Lower Wacker, Michigan Avenue and Columbus start looking like somebody poured the entire city into one intersection, don't call me talking about, “Red, I've been sitting here 47 minutes!”

I TRIED TO TELL YOU. 😂

The city is encouraging people attending downtown events to consider CTA and other public transportation instead of driving. Anyone who does drive should expect possible street closures, detours, traffic diversions and delays.

Drivers should also avoid blocking intersections and make sure emergency vehicles have enough room to get through crowded streets.

So here's your 730 BOOM heads-up:

If you're going downtown this weekend, leave early, check your route before you go, have an alternate route ready and don't assume you'll be able to drive straight into the Loop.

Because Chicago might be partying this weekend...

but your GPS ain't invited to the meeting. 😂

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IT HITS DIFFERENT. EVERY TIME. BOOM! 💥