A strong reaction from South Side politicians in Chicago has prompted the state of Illinois to reconsider closing a number of ramps on and off of the Dan Ryan Expressway, The Chicago Sun Times reported recently.

The ramps were scheduled to be closed to enhance safety and to make room for more lanes on the crowded interstate highway, the newspaper reported.

Some of the ramps, if closed, could create problems for local fire protection and law-enforcement agencies, which have stations close to at least one ramp scheduled for closure.