Chicago, August 29, 2025
News Summary
A new review compares seven leading construction scheduling platforms and explains how upcoming Chicago expressway rehabilitation and a downtown street race will affect crew movement and deliveries. The software roundup highlights ProjectManager, Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Fieldwire, Smartsheet, and Contractor Foreman, weighing features like CPM, Gantt charts, mobile access, resource management, and budgeting. Local traffic plans include lane shifts, overnight closures, and ramp work that will require crews to adjust routes and delivery windows. The guidance recommends mobile, real-time scheduling tools to keep field teams aligned amid changing access and event-related closures.
Construction scheduling software reviewed and Chicago traffic and race-related closures — top updates and what they mean
A fresh look at seven popular construction scheduling and project management platforms is paired with major traffic and event-related work in Chicago. The software roundup highlights tools suited to teams from single crews to large contractors, while local transportation updates cover a major expressway rehabilitation moving faster than planned and a big street race that will bring staged road closures this summer. Both sets of information matter to contractors, project managers and anyone who plans work or travel in the area.
Key takeaways
- Seven platforms were evaluated for scheduling, collaboration and resource tracking.
- Critical Path Method (CPM) remains the most popular scheduling approach, highlighting tasks that cannot slip without delaying the whole job.
- One major highway rehabilitation project in the city is running a full month ahead of schedule, but several overnight lane and ramp closures will affect traffic in early June.
- A downtown street race will require staged closures from late June through mid-July, with setup and teardown windows and pedestrian access plans in place.
Top construction scheduling platforms reviewed
The review covers seven standout options, each with different strengths:
- ProjectManager — A robust online option with Gantt charts, real-time resource scheduling, task and cost tracking, and shared plans. A 30-day free trial is available to help teams evaluate workflows.
- Procore — A full construction management platform that tightly integrates scheduling with financial controls. It offers Gantt and calendar views, strong reporting and resource management, and is commonly used by medium and large firms. No free scheduling version is provided.
- Buildertrend — Cloud-based and popular with residential contractors. It includes builder scheduling, budgeting, client communication and a mobile app for on-site updates. Pricing starts at $499 per month and QuickBooks integration is supported.
- CoConstruct — Tailored to custom home builders and remodelers, combining project management, budgeting and client-facing tools. Mobile access and QuickBooks integration are available. Pricing tiers start at $299 per month, require annual commitment, and no free trial is offered.
- Fieldwire — Focused on task and crew scheduling with on-site communication, documentation management and multiple views (Kanban, Calendar, Gantt). It offers a free version for small teams; paid plans start at $29 per user per month and a 14-day free trial is provided.
- Smartsheet — A spreadsheet-like interface that excels at customizable workflows and automation. It suits staff scheduling and broad project management needs and offers a free plan with basic features.
- Contractor Foreman — An affordable solution for contractors, offering project and labor scheduling, a mobile app, CRM features and pricing from about $49 per month. User reviews indicate high satisfaction levels.
How to choose
Select software based on project scale, budget and team needs. Key features to weigh include Gantt charts, real-time collaboration, mobile access, budgeting and resource management, task tracking, customizable workflows and automation. For many larger projects, integrated financial tools can be a deciding factor. For residential or small firms, mobile client communication and cost may be more important.
Local infrastructure update: expressway rehabilitation moving ahead of schedule
A major expressway rehabilitation project in the city is reported to be about one month ahead of schedule as of late May 2025. While progress is positive, the work is not complete and several overnight and ramp closures are planned in early June to prepare a new traffic configuration.
Key traffic changes begin the late night of May 31 into June 1. The express lanes will close at 11:00 p.m. Saturday and the outbound mainline will be reduced to one lane at midnight Sunday between two named junctions. Intermittent ramp closures will run through the morning with a planned configuration taking effect by 10:00 a.m. Sunday. Under the new layout, outbound lanes will shift slightly onto new pavement and the reversible lanes will remain open in the outbound direction, though some mid-gate entrances and exits will stay closed. The final phase of the project is expected to wrap up around Thanksgiving 2025. Additional ramp closures are scheduled in early and mid-June, and some on- and off-ramps are expected to reopen in the week of June 9.
Event-related street closures: downtown street race schedule and access
The annual street race setup will shorten its construction window this year compared with past years, with course build time expected to take 25 days down from previous 38 and 43 day builds. Officially, street closures tied to the course are planned to last about 18 days. Initial closures begin June 19, with more intensive closures and overnight work between late June and early July. The race dates are scheduled for July 5 and 6, and full demobilization is planned to conclude by mid-July.
City officials have laid out a detailed closure and reopening schedule that staggers parking restrictions, lane and street closures, and overnight work windows. Sidewalks and key pedestrian routes will remain open, and core transit arteries will stay available. Some park areas, gardens and museum campuses will remain accessible throughout construction and the event.
What contractors and commuters should do
- Plan deliveries and mobilizations around the published lane and ramp closures.
- Use software that supports real-time updates and mobile access so crews can adjust quickly for closures and detours.
- Allow extra travel time during overnight work and high-traffic days and consider alternative routes or public transit options when possible.
- Monitor project schedules and public access notices for last-minute changes during the setup and teardown windows.
Bottom line
Picking the right scheduling tool can make on-the-ground adjustments easier when infrastructure projects and large events change access and timelines. Whether a team needs a full financial and scheduling platform for large jobs, a residential-focused app, or an affordable contractor solution, options exist to match team size and budget. Simultaneously, planning around scheduled closures for a major expressway rehabilitation and a downtown street race will be essential for keeping projects and commutes on track this season.
FAQ
Which software is best for large construction firms?
For larger firms, prioritize platforms that combine scheduling with financial controls and robust reporting. Look for integrated resource management and multiple schedule views such as Gantt and calendars.
What is the most common scheduling method in construction?
The Critical Path Method (CPM) is the most common. It identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks and highlights which tasks cannot be delayed without affecting the overall completion date.
Can small teams use these platforms affordably?
Yes. Several options offer free tiers or lower-cost plans suitable for small contractors. Evaluate the feature set carefully—mobile access, basic scheduling and documentation management are often included in entry plans.
How should I plan around the expressway and event closures?
Monitor published closure windows, adjust delivery and crew schedules, use alternate routes when possible, and ensure field teams have real-time access to schedule updates and maps.
Where can I find the detailed race closure schedule?
Detailed schedules are released by city traffic authorities and event organizers. Check official municipal or event information portals for the most current lists and timing.
Quick comparison table: key features
| Platform | Best for | Pricing/Trial | Standout features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectManager | Mid-size projects | 30-day free trial | Gantt charts, real-time resource scheduling, collaboration |
| Procore | Medium to large construction firms | No free scheduling version | Integrated scheduling and financials, reporting, resource tools |
| Buildertrend | Residential contractors | Starts at $499/month | Client communication, mobile app, QuickBooks integration |
| CoConstruct | Custom home builders/remodelers | Plans start $299/month; annual commitment required; no free trial | Project + client tools, budgeting, QuickBooks integration |
| Fieldwire | Jobsite crews and task scheduling | Free plan; paid from $29/user/month; 14-day trial | Kanban/Calendar/Gantt, documentation management, mobile updates |
| Smartsheet | Teams needing flexible workflows | Free plan available | Spreadsheet-like interface, automation, customizable workflows |
| Contractor Foreman | Small contractors | From $49/month | Project scheduling, mobile app, CRM features, strong user ratings |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- CBS News: Kennedy Expressway construction schedule
- Wikipedia: Kennedy Expressway
- ABC7 Chicago: NASCAR Chicago street race closures
- Google Search: NASCAR Chicago street race closures
- FOX 32 Chicago: Video 1650974
- Google Scholar: Kennedy Expressway construction schedule
- NBC Chicago: Route to O’Hare impacted by construction
- Encyclopedia Britannica: O’Hare International Airport
- Newsweek: Obama Presidential Center lawsuit
- Google News: Obama Presidential Center lawsuit
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
