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.
Top construction scheduling tools reviewed and major Chicago travel impacts: key takeaways
A recent industry review evaluated seven leading construction scheduling and project management platforms and found each has distinct strengths for different project sizes and goals. At the same time, a major highway rehabilitation project in Chicago is running roughly a month ahead of schedule, and a city street race will bring a complex schedule of road closures and service changes over several weeks this summer. This report summarizes the software findings first, then details the local traffic and closure plans affecting motorists, transit riders, businesses and event attendees.
Top-level findings on construction scheduling software
The review singled out seven standout options: ProjectManager, Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Fieldwire, Smartsheet, and Contractor Foreman. Choice of a tool depends mainly on project scale, budget and team size. Key features to weigh include Gantt charts for visual timelines, real-time collaboration, mobile access, budgeting and resource management, task management, custom workflows and automation. The Critical Path Method (CPM) remains the most popular scheduling technique; many platforms support CPM-style planning and critical task tracking.
Platform summaries
- ProjectManager: A robust online project tool with Gantt charts, real-time resource scheduling, shared plans for team collaboration and a 30-day free trial. Best for teams that need an all-around scheduler with resource tracking.
- Procore: A full construction management suite that links scheduling with financial tools and advanced reporting. Suited for medium to large firms. No free version is available, but it offers multiple schedule views and strong resource management.
- Buildertrend: Cloud-based and popular with residential contractors. Offers builder scheduling, budgeting, client communication, a mobile app for on-site updates, lead management and integrations with accounting software. Pricing starts at $499 per month.
- CoConstruct: Targeted at custom home builders and remodelers, combining project management, budgeting and client communication. Integrates with QuickBooks and offers three annual pricing tiers starting at $299 per month; no month-to-month plans or free trial.
- Fieldwire: Focused on task and crew scheduling with strong jobsite communication and document management. Provides Kanban, Calendar and Gantt views, a free basic version for small teams, paid plans from $29 per user per month, and a 14-day trial.
- Smartsheet: A flexible, spreadsheet-like tool suited to construction staff scheduling, customizable workflows and automation. Offers a free plan with basic features and works well where spreadsheet familiarity is an advantage.
- Contractor Foreman: An affordable option for contractors including mobile access, CRM features and construction labor scheduling. Pricing starts at $49 per month and user reviews show high satisfaction for cost-conscious small businesses.
How to choose
Match software to project needs: choose platforms with strong financial integration for large multi-site jobs, tools with tight client communication for residential work, and lightweight mobile-first apps for crews in the field. Trials and free plans can help teams test usability before committing.
Chicago highway rehabilitation update: express lanes move ahead of schedule
A major rehabilitation project on the Kennedy Expressway (I-90/94) is reported to be about one month ahead of the previously announced schedule. While the work is not complete, a new traffic configuration will be put in place on Sunday, June 1. Starting that day, drivers leaving downtown and heading northwest will be able to use both express and local lanes between Addison Street and the Kennedy-Edens junction at Montrose Avenue to reach O’Hare International Airport, with several temporary restrictions during the changeover.
- Express lanes will close starting 11 p.m. Saturday and operations will change through 10 a.m. Sunday when the new pattern takes effect.
- At 12:00 a.m. Sunday, the outbound expressway will be reduced to one lane between Addison and Montrose, with intermittent ramp closures during the overnight period.
- Outbound lanes will shift slightly left onto newly paved surfaces between Addison and Montrose; reversible lanes will remain open in the outbound direction.
- Some mid-gate entrances and exits for reversible lanes will remain closed under the new configuration, and at times two mainline outbound lanes will be closed.
- The entire project is expected to continue through the fall, with final work anticipated around Thanksgiving.
- Additional planned closures in June include multi-week ramp closures at Ontario and Division on June 5, and off-ramps to North and Fullerton avenues on June 9.
- Several on- and off-ramps were already closed and are expected to reopen in mid-June.
- The last stage of work carries a budget increase from earlier estimates and represents a significant investment to restore a crucial commuter corridor used by hundreds of thousands of drivers daily.
City street race: compressed build schedule and detailed closure plan
Construction to build the street race course this year is scheduled to take significantly fewer days than in past editions. Work to construct the course is planned to take 25 days this year versus longer build times in prior years. Street closures related to course setup and race operations will be concentrated into an 18-day span, though setup and teardown activity extends beyond that window. The first closures begin on June 19 and some specific pavement issues have prompted additional temporary closures in late June.
Key dates and impacts
- June 19: start of full closures on sections of Balbo Drive and related no-parking restrictions.
- Late June: a sequence of nightly closures and lane restrictions on Michigan, Columbus, Jackson, Roosevelt and other streets as crews build the course.
- July 5–6: race weekend with the course centered around Grant Park and adjacent streets.
- Selective reopening begins July 6–7 with prioritized streets reopening first; full demobilization is expected by mid-July.
- Throughout setup and breakdown, sidewalks remain open and many key streets in the downtown Loop will remain accessible for pedestrians and local access.
- Transit providers will run additional service during the event and park and museum access routes are preserved with specific directions for north and south arrivals by lakefront drive exits.
Business and property access will be maintained during build and race operations, with officials emphasizing pedestrian access and transit alternatives to reduce traffic delays. Residents and drivers should review the full daily closure list and plan trips accordingly.
Bottom line
Teams choosing construction scheduling software should weigh scale, budget, resource needs and on-site collaboration features. Meanwhile, Chicago travelers should expect staged lane and ramp closures on the Kennedy Expressway through the fall and a concentrated period of street closures for the race from late June into early July. Planning ahead and using alternate routes or transit will reduce disruption for work and leisure travel.
FAQ
What are the best features to look for in construction scheduling software?
Look for visual timelines such as Gantt charts, real-time collaboration, mobile access for field crews, budgeting and resource management tools, task tracking, customizable workflows and automation features.
Which tool is best for large construction firms?
Platforms that combine scheduling with financial management and advanced reporting are typically best for larger firms. These tools handle complex resource allocation and multi-project portfolios.
Are there cost-effective options for small contractors?
Yes. Some tools offer low-cost monthly plans or free tiers aimed at small teams. Affordable options include platforms with strong mobile features and basic budgeting and scheduling functions.
When will the Kennedy Expressway work be finished?
The rehabilitation project is expected to continue through the fall, with final work anticipated around Thanksgiving. Short-term lane and ramp closures will occur over the summer as traffic patterns are adjusted.
What dates should I expect street closures for the city street race?
Closures begin in late June for course setup, with the main race weekend in early July. Demobilization is expected to finish by mid-July. Sidewalks and many pedestrian routes will remain open during the event.
Quick comparison table: key features at a glance
| Software | Best for | Key features | Price / Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectManager | Mid-size teams needing resource tracking | Gantt charts, resource scheduling, collaboration | 30-day free trial |
| Procore | Medium to large construction companies | Scheduling + financials, reporting, resource management | No free version |
| Buildertrend | Residential contractors | Builder scheduling, client communication, QuickBooks | Starts at $499/month |
| CoConstruct | Custom home builders and remodelers | Project management, budgeting, client tools, QuickBooks | $299–$499/month, annual only, no free trial |
| Fieldwire | Field crews and task scheduling | Kanban, Calendar, Gantt, document management | Free version; paid from $29/user/month; 14-day trial |
| Smartsheet | Teams preferring spreadsheet layout | Spreadsheet-like interface, workflows, automation | Free plan available |
| Contractor Foreman | Small contractors on a budget | Project management, labor scheduling, CRM, mobile app | Starts at $49/month; high user satisfaction |
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 NY News
NEW YORK STAFF WRITER The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionnynews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York 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 New York Build Expo, infrastructure breakthroughs, and cutting-edge construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of New York State and the Building Trades Employers' Association, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Turner Construction Company and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
