Teams rely on construction scheduling software as expressway lane changes and event closures affect deliveries and crew routes in Chicago.
Chicago, August 29, 2025
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.
The most important news up front: a fresh review of construction scheduling and project management tools highlights seven leading options for builders and contractors, and major roadwork and event closures in Chicago will affect travel in June and July. The software review and the local traffic updates can both change how construction teams plan work and move crews around the city.
Choosing the right scheduling tool can make or break a project. The review spotlights seven platforms: ProjectManager, Procore, Buildertrend, CoConstruct, Fieldwire, Smartsheet, and Contractor Foreman. The most widely used scheduling method is the Critical Path Method (CPM), which finds the longest chain of dependent tasks and flags activities that cannot be delayed without affecting the finish date.
Key features to weigh include Gantt charts, real-time collaboration, mobile access, budgeting, resource management, task tracking, custom workflows, and automation. The best tool depends on project size, budget, and team needs.
ProjectManager is a robust online option with Gantt charts, real-time resource scheduling, cost and task tracking, and shared project plans. It offers a 30-day free trial and is positioned to streamline management and boost efficiency.
Procore is a full construction management platform that links scheduling with financial tools and resource management. It offers multiple scheduling views including Gantt and calendars, strong reporting, and real-time updates. It’s aimed at medium and large firms and does not offer a free scheduling plan.
Buildertrend is cloud-based and aimed at residential contractors. It supports builder scheduling, budgeting, client communication, lead management, and integrates with QuickBooks. A mobile app helps field updates. Pricing starts at about $499 per month, making it a fit for small to mid-sized contractors focused on client communication.
CoConstruct is tailored for custom home builders and remodelers, combining project management, budgeting, and client tools with QuickBooks integration. It has three annual plans starting at $299 per month and no month-to-month or free trial option. It may have higher cost and fewer third-party integrations to consider.
Fieldwire focuses on task and crew scheduling with job-site updates and documentation management. It supports Kanban, calendar, and Gantt views. There’s a free basic tier, paid plans from $29 per user per month, a Pro plan at $49 per user per month, a 14-day free trial, and discounts for annual billing.
Smartsheet uses a spreadsheet-like interface for flexible staff scheduling, custom workflows, automation, and team collaboration. It offers a free plan with basic features and suits teams that prefer a grid-based approach.
Contractor Foreman is an affordable option starting around $49 per month, with project and labor scheduling tools, a mobile app, and CRM features for small businesses. User reviews show strong satisfaction ratings.
Select the platform that matches project scale and workflow: Procore for larger projects with integrated finance needs; Buildertrend for residential builder-client communication; Smartsheet for flexible, spreadsheet-style workflows; Fieldwire for real-time site coordination; and Contractor Foreman for budget-conscious contractors. ProjectManager and CoConstruct fit different niches where detailed resource scheduling or custom-home features are priorities.
The major expressway rehabilitation project is now running about a month ahead of schedule in its final phase. Key traffic changes go into effect the weekend of May 31–June 1: the express lanes that had been restricted will close late Saturday and a new outbound lane configuration on the expressway will begin early Sunday. Expect reduced lanes and intermittent ramp closures overnight through the morning as the new pattern settles in. The full rehabilitation remains scheduled for completion around Thanksgiving.
Additional closures are planned in June for on- and off-ramps in the area, with some ramps closed for roughly two-week stretches. Several on- and off-ramps were already closed during the reporting period and were expected to reopen by mid-June. The project’s last stage carries an updated cost figure, and officials advise drivers to expect lane shifts, overnight closures, and sporadic ramp work. Motorists are urged to allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes or transit options where feasible.
Street race setup and closures will affect downtown and lakeshore streets. This year’s course build was shortened to about 25 days, down from 38 or 43 days in recent years. Street closures for course setup began in late June, with the event scheduled for early July. A heat-related pavement issue caused an emergency closure on a key segment in late June and prompted nearby closures for safety.
Officials expect traffic and pedestrian access to be managed so that most businesses and residences remain reachable, sidewalks will stay open, and several key streets and expressways will remain available throughout the event. Transit agencies plan extra service on race weekend. Demobilization is scheduled to wrap up by mid-July, with major streets reopening in phases immediately after the event ends.
Both the software choices and the local traffic plans affect how sites are staffed and supplied. Use scheduling tools that offer mobile access, real-time updates, and resource tracking to keep field crews aligned when routes and ramps shift. Plan deliveries around closures and overnight lane changes, and keep clients informed about any access or timing impacts.
Buildertrend and Contractor Foreman are strong choices. Buildertrend focuses on client communication and mobile field updates; Contractor Foreman is budget friendly and includes CRM and mobile tools.
CPM finds the longest chain of dependent tasks and highlights work that cannot slip without delaying the whole project. It’s key to predicting finish dates and managing priorities.
Procore stands out for integrating scheduling with financial and resource management, making it well suited for medium to large programs with complex budgets.
Plan deliveries outside peak closure windows, use alternative routes when possible, update crew schedules with transit options, and use mobile scheduling tools to communicate real-time changes.
| Software | Best for | Key features | Price / Trial |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProjectManager | Mid-size teams needing strong scheduling | Gantt charts, resource scheduling, real-time collaboration | 30-day free trial |
| Procore | Medium to large construction companies | Scheduling + financials, reporting, resource management | No free scheduling plan |
| Buildertrend | Residential contractors | Budgeting, client communication, QuickBooks integration, mobile app | From $499/month |
| CoConstruct | Custom home builders & remodelers | Project + budgeting + client tools, QuickBooks | $299–$499/month, annual only, no free trial |
| Fieldwire | Task and crew scheduling, job-site teams | Kanban, Calendar, Gantt, documentation management | Free basic plan; paid from $29/user/month; 14-day trial |
| Smartsheet | Teams needing flexible, spreadsheet-like workflows | Spreadsheet interface, automation, customizable workflows | Free plan available |
| Contractor Foreman | Small contractors on a budget | Project management, labor scheduling, CRM, mobile app | From $49/month; high user satisfaction |
Use this guide to match software features to project needs, and keep local traffic plans in mind when scheduling crews and deliveries during the summer months.
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