Kennedy Expressway facts for kids
The John F. Kennedy Expressway is a major road in Chicago, Illinois. It's like a super-highway, also called a freeway, where cars can travel without stopping at traffic lights. This road is about 17.8 miles (28.6 kilometers) long. It helps people get around the big city area of Chicago.
The expressway starts in a neighborhood called West Loop. It then goes all the way to O'Hare International Airport. This airport is one of the busiest in the world! The road is named after John F. Kennedy, who was the 35th President of the United States.
About the Kennedy Expressway
The Kennedy Expressway is part of a much bigger road system. It includes a section of Interstate 90 (I-90). I-90 is a very long highway that stretches across the United States. It goes for over 3,100 miles (5,000 kilometers)! It starts in Boston, Massachusetts on the East Coast and ends in Seattle, Washington on the West Coast.
Where Does It Go?
The Kennedy Expressway has specific start and end points. On its east side, it connects with Interstate 290. This road is also known as the Eisenhower Expressway. It also connects to the Dan Ryan Expressway. The Dan Ryan Expressway is also part of I-90 and Interstate 94. On the west side, the Kennedy Expressway ends right at the terminals of O'Hare Airport.
How Busy Is It?
The Kennedy Expressway is one of the busiest roads in Illinois. Every day, more than 327,000 vehicles use some parts of this highway! That's a lot of cars, trucks, and buses. Because so many people use it, the Kennedy and its connected road, the Dan Ryan Expressway, are the most used roads in the state.
Images for kids
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Southeastward view of the Kennedy Expressway from the Montrose Blue Line Station, with the reversible express lanes to the right of the tracks
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Sign over the Kennedy Expressway, at the north entrance to Hubbard's Cave, encouraging commuters to use Metra trains, such as the one seen here passing over the highway, to avoid the common congestion
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Magikist Lips sign formerly located on the Kennedy Expressway at Montrose Avenue in Chicago, torn down in 2004
