Chicago streets shut down for NASCAR — what to know

CHICAGO - After months of planning, final preparations are underway for NASCAR's Chicago Street Race on Saturday, July 1 and Sunday, July 2.

With cars set to race past some of the city's most iconic buildings, tight turns and fast straightaways are in the forecast – but so are headaches for local drivers.

As NASCAR drivers rev their engines, Chicagoans will be pumping the brakes.

"The traffic is… it’s difficult," said one driver.

"Well how do you think, you’re standing here in the middle of it, it’s hell! It’s crazy," said Ray Majewski.

On Thursday night, all north and southbound lanes of Michigan Avenue were shut down between Jackson Drive and Balbo Drive.

Major closures are impacting traffic and forcing commuters to re-route – not only near Grant Park, but beyond.

"The traffic is awful right now. It’s awful, it’s really crowded. I just went to Fullerton and it took me almost an hour," said Tim Peters. "I’m not coming this way tomorrow."

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As traffic directors try to keep things moving, drivers tell FOX32 Chicago they're bracing for the worst.

With southbound DuSable Lake Shore Drive already closed, rush hour was unusually quiet Thursday. It offered a rare sight of the Field Museum without any cars in view – and that is exactly what NASCAR drivers will see on their first major stretch of the race.

Southbound Lake Shore Drive will remain shut down through the weekend between McFetridge Drive and Randolph Street.

Adding to the backups, northbound Lake Shore Drive will close at 4 a.m. Saturday – also between McFetridge Drive and Randolph Street.

Additionally, on Thursday night, west and eastbound Roosevelt Road was barricaded between Columbus Drive and Lake Shore Drive.

Still, many said that despite the inconvenience, they're looking forward to the historic weekend.

"I think it’s really exciting for the city, it’s great to see the vibrancy, we’re finally back to a normal summer," said one woman.

"I don’t mind it, it’s good for the city, something different," said Peters.

As streets are closed, NASCAR crews are busy with final setup of the course, including ‘Pit Road.’ Pit stops for the street race are located on Columbus Drive between Balbo and Jackson.

View the NASCAR Street Race course layout HERE.

For a comprehensive list of street closures and detours due to NASCAR’S Street Race, CLICK HERE.