Chicago officials warned drivers and residents earlier this week that they would implement road closures if necessary for the celebration of Mexican Independence Day. Some road closures were already in effect Saturday night.

Authorities in Chicago have restricted access to the Central Business District due to traffic congestion caused by celebrations for Mexican Independence Day.

According to officials with the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, the restriction applies to all areas between Halsted Street and DuSable Lake Shore Drive, with the northern boundary at Division Street and the southern boundary at 18^and Street.

People living or working in the affected area, and all intensive care staff, will be allowed access through designated checkpoints:

Halsted/Division

Halsted/Chicago

Halsted/Washington

Halsted/Madison

Halsted/Jackson

Division/LaSalle

Roosevelt/Canal

Desplaines/Channel

18^and/Stands

18^and/Michigan

18^and/Indiana

The following exits are also closed to limit access to the city center.

Eisenhower Highway

-Exit ramp to Ashland Avenue

Dan Ryan Expressway

– Inbound ramp to Byrne Interchange eastbound

Kennedy Highway

– Incoming ramp to Ohio Street

– Inbound exit to Eastbound Byrne Interchange

-Ohio Feeder Ramp between Kennedy and Orleans Streets

Stevenson Highway

– Incoming driveway to King Drive

– Incoming driveway to DuSable Lake Shore Drive

Car-driven festivities celebrating Mexico’s Independence Day are expected to continue through the evening this weekend, with city officials warning of closures and even restricted access to the downtown business district.

Also taking place in Chicago’s Grant Park is the El Grito Festival, featuring music, food and various festivities.

According to government officials, Jackson is closed between Columbus and DuSable Lake Shore Drive for the festival.