The holiday season is fast approaching, and Chicago, with many major municipalities, typically issue a temporary moratorium for activities affecting the public way to promote full access to stores, restaurants and businesses. This year the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has set the dates and boundaries per official memo issued by Deputy Commissioner Jai Kalayil, Department of Transportation, Division of Infrastructure Management.
Friday, November 21, 2025 4:00 p.m. - Friday, January 2, 2025 at 9:30 a.m.
What type of work is effected:
“No street openings or traffic obstructions, except for emergencies, shall be allowed within the moratorium boundaries.”
“All existing permits within the moratorium boundaries will be automatically revoked. Restrictions will not be lifted for any non-emergency work without permission from CDOT’s Permit Office.”
Moratorium Boundaries:
“Beginning at the easternmost point of North Avenue extending to Lake Michigan, west on 
North Avenue to Halsted Street; then south on Halsted Street to Roosevelt Road; then east on Roosevelt Road to its easternmost point extending to Lake Michigan.”
*Post Moratorium Considerations:
“Any work performed from January 2, 2026 through April 1, 2026 shall be subject to criteria acceptable for snow removal and control operations. Specifically, all plates in the public right of way must be collected prior to the commencement of snow operations. If plates cannot be removed, or new plates must be installed, please immediately notify the snow operations unit by phone (312) 746-8630 or email.
