Construction Causing Headaches For Loop Drivers

(CBS) -- It seems no matter which way you turn in the Loop, if you can turn at all, is under construction.

CBS 2's Jim Williams explain why so much work is being done right now.

It is a downtown awash in red and orange, brake lights and construction signs.

"It's jammed up. It's like gridlock down here, man," said one driver.

Gridlock and jackhammers. Many lanes are reduced and one stretch of Wabash is closed altogether.

"Something that would usually take us maybe us two, three hours a day it ending up taking us minimum five just because of the traffic," said Pete Karabatsos.

Traffic snarled as Karabatsos makes produce deliveries for his family's business. He said he has never seen it this bad.

Williams talked to the city's Transportation Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld right outside City Hall, where work create bus only lanes for the Loop Link.

Scheinfeld said there is a lot of investment right now and the construction is "to make sure we have a safe, reliable and innovative transportation network for Chicagoans and visitors alike."

Commissioner Scheinfeld says some of the projects had been planned long ago and delayed but the economy is improving and Mayor Emanuel got federal funds so they can be done now.

So if you're driving, take a deep breath.

For more information on street closures, visit the city of Chicago's website.