As the first day of the Democratic National Convention begins in Chicago, federal and local law enforcement officials have increased security in certain areas and closed streets throughout the city, from the areas around the United Center to McCormick Place to streets on the Gold Coast.
But Chicagoans may see – and hear – another layer of security buzzing around this week: military helicopters.
According to the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, military helicopters are expected to fly over the city before and during the DNC.
“Military helicopters will be flying over the area leading up to the DNC and throughout the week,” the OEMC said in a tweet on Monday morning.
The agency did not provide further details about where the helicopters would fly.
The announcement comes after the OEMC abruptly announced this weekend that additional street closures would take place on busy streets in downtown Chicago, including streets along Michigan Avenue, starting Sunday “due to the activities of the DNC.”
Additional street closures around the United Center and McCormick Place, where the DNC is taking place, were already in effect.
In addition, several authorized protests on Monday could cause traffic disruptions near Union Park on Chicago’s west side.
Below is a complete list of road closures for the DNC.
Road closures in the city centre and on the Gold Coast due to the DNC
- N. Wabash from E, Chestnut to E Delaware Place from Sunday, August 18 to Wednesday, August 21
- E. Huron Street from N. Michigan to N. Rush from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
- E. Chicago from N. Michigan Avenue to N. Rush Street from Sunday, August 18 to Friday, August 23
- E. Delaware Place from N. State to N. Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N. Rush from E. Delaware Place to E. Walton on Tuesday, August 20th.
- E Walton from N State to N Rush on Tuesday, August 20.
- N State from E Delaware to E Walton on Tuesday, August 20.
Restricted vehicle traffic: Jackson Boulevard from South Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
Road closures near United Center, McCormick Place
Start Thursday, August 15
- West Washington Boulevard from Damen Avenue to South Wood Street
- Damen Avenue from Jackson Boulevard to West Washington Boulevard
- West Warren Boulevard from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Madison Street from North Leavitt Street to South Paulina Street
- West Monroe Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- West Adams Street from South Seeley Avenue to South Paulina Street
- South Honore Street from West Monroe Street to West Adams Street
- South Wood Street from West Washington Boulevard to West Jackson Boulevard
- South Seeley Avenue from West Madison Street to West Adams Street
Start Saturday, August 17
- Indiana Avenue from 18th to E. 24th Place
- Michigan Avenue from 21st to 25th Street
- Cermak Road from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- 23rd Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Prairie Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Street from Wabash Avenue to Indiana Avenue
- Calumet Avenue from Cullerton Street to 24th Place
- 24th Place from Wabash Avenue to MLK Drive
- MLK ride from Cermak Rd. to 25th Street
- E 21st Street closed from S. Michigan Avenue to S. Calumet Avenue.
- E 21st St is open west of S Michigan Avenue to and including S Wabash Avenue and E 21st.
Additionally, no trucks or vehicles larger than cars are allowed on I-55 between DuSable Lake Shore Drive and South State Street in either direction.
