The Circle Interchange, the massive network of criss-crossing highway ramps that connect the Eisenhower, Dan Ryan and Kennedy expressways, looks set to undergo a major revamp.

Though work still isn’t done yet on Congress Parkway east of the interchange, Gov. Pat Quinn announced that the state has hired a contractor for a $40 million study that’ll look at what kind of improvements need to be made, and what the timeline could be.

The study will take roughly two years to complete, according to a press release from Quinn’s office.

“Anyone who has driven in Chicago will tell you that the Circle Interchange is one of the toughest traffic spots,” Ann Schneider, Illinois Transportation Secretary said in a written statement. “The engineering studies are the first step toward providing relief to motorists stuck in traffic and helping the environment by cutting down on harmful emissions from idling vehicles.”

A press release said the state will be reaching out to directly affected parties, including the University of Illinois at Chicago and nearby neighborhoods and businesses.

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By Brianbobcat
Posted: 05/01/2012 11:41 PM

How much can be done here? It\'s a VERY tight property with little to no room for property acquisition. They can\'t dig down like Wisconsin did up at one of Milwaukee\'s interchanges because of the Blue Line. Their only option would be to build up and make the \"flying\" aspect of the current interchange smoother flowing. Also, with the tight confines, how long will construction take? Please fix the WB to NB ramp. It\'s off kilter & I\'m always afraid I\'ll just slide into the wall when it\'s wet.

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By Broomy from South Loop
Posted: 05/01/2012 9:44 AM

Article clearly states that the study alone will take two years, and this desperately needs to be done. This is the worst choke point in the nation according to a nationwide poll of professional drivers.

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By Another SL Parent from South Loop
Posted: 04/27/2012 2:30 PM

NOW??? That we are finally getting done with the whole Wacker/Congress project? Can't we get a breather for a few years before this major choker?