As world leaders descend on McCormick Place this weekend to debate the finer points of military strategy and fiscal policy, Chicago residents from Rogers Park to Calumet Heights will have to cope with road shutdowns, CTA delays, and the closure of the Shedd Aquarium, among other inconveniences. Between Hyde Park residents looking to get downtown, or staff and students living far off campus, commuters can avoid a traffic nightmare with some advance preparation.

The El

All El lines will remain operational over the weekend. However, CTA officials have cautioned rail commuters to expect delays, since every train passing through McCormick Place will need to stop momentarily for security checks.

Metra

Metra service will be erratic, with a number of stations closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Carry-on luggage, including backpacks and large purses, will not be allowed on board any Metra trains for all three days. Food and liquids also will be prohibited. Visit Metra Rail online for details.

The following stations will be closed from Saturday, May 19 through Monday, May 21:

• 47th Street (Kenwood)

• 27th Street

• McCormick Place

• 18th Street

• Museum Campus/11th Street

Additional Metra stations will be closed on Monday only:

• 111th Street (Pullman)

• 107th Street

• 103rd Street (Rosemoor)

• 91st Street (Chesterfield)

• 87th Street (Woodruff)

• 83rd Street (Avalon Park)

• 79th Street (Chatham)

• 75th Street (Grand Crossing)

• 63rd Street

CTA Bus

Starting at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, Lake Shore Drive will be closed between East 39th Street and East Balbo Drive until Monday evening. Several routes will be redirected throughout the weekend, with northbound and southbound 6 buses diverting onto side roads south of Balbo Drive. On Monday, the X28 will also be redirected. Route details can be found at www.transitchicago.com/nato.