This Lincoln Square block is going car-free this whole week

Time Out

21-04-2025

If you drive through Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood regularly, note that your daily commute will be a little different this week. The one-way street along the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue—the stretch between Lawrence and Leland Avenues—will be closed to vehicle traffic for a whole week, beginning today, April 21.
The road closure is due to ongoing construction to upgrade the Western Avenue Brown Line station, a nearby public plaza and parking lot, reports Block Club Chicago. Traffic will be barred from entering the no-cars zone for at least a week, depending on the weather, per officials. However, the commercial corridor will remain opens for pedestrians and cyclists, so you'll still be able to access the area without your automobile.
This isn't the only traffic closure planned for the neighborhood: the 2200 block of West Leland Avenue will also be shunned to vehicles just east of Lincoln Avenue beginning next Monday, April 28. That closure reportedly has been scheduled to last for about 10 days, weather permitting. Southbound traffic on Lincoln Avenue will graciously not be impacted, and a pedestrian path will be maintained, officials said.
Though the area will see less car traffic in the coming weeks due to the closure plans, the Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce has worked to boost foot traffic and keep pedestrians frequenting the neighborhood's small businesses. In fact, while the street is temporarily closed to cars, the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue is hosting an open-air Spring Sidewalk Sale from today through Sunday, April 27, with local vendors such as Raw Edge, Gearhead Outfitters, Genevieve, The Chopping Block and more selling fashion items, home goods, food products and gifts on site. There will also be special in-store promotions for those who prefer to browse inside.
"While the City of Chicago continues its streetscape improvements, we're making the most of it—with exclusive deals, pop-up tables and special in-store promotions at your favorite local shops," announced the Chamber of Commerce. "Now more than ever, our small businesses need your support! Come out to shop, dine and discover amazing finds while keeping our local economy thriving."