Bridges bring communities together; likewise, it takes a community to build a bridge. V3 is a proud partner in the Illinois Tollway’s Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project which aims to open up airport access to the region’s west side. See how our structural engineers and construction experts are working together to help create the structures that will change the way Chicagoland travels.
Miles to go
The Illinois Tollway is a 294-mile-long highway system running throughout Northern Illinois. This toll road network serves an average of 1.6 million cars and trucks daily, helping people and goods move throughout the region.
Since its opening in 1958, the Tollway has seen many changes and additions to better accommodate a growing population. In 2013, the Illinois Tollway kicked off construction of the Elgin O’Hare Western Access Project: an ambitious effort to enhance access to O’Hare International Airport and reduce congestion. With more than 17 miles of new tollway, four interstate system interchanges, and 15 new and/or improved local interchanges, this ambitious project has been designated as a “Project of National and Regional Significance” by federal transportation legislation.
Creating a new section of highway is a rare undertaking in today’s transportation landscape. Most major projects focus on renovations, but the Tollway’s project is a $4.3-billion investment with extensive intermodal reach, weaving together road, rail, and air travel.
“This is a once in a lifetime project. It’s such an honor for me and our team to be trusted with the responsibility of this important work.”
Pete Stukas, Vice President
Building strong foundations
V3—in a joint venture with Knight E/A—is the Construction Corridor Manager for this massive project, overseeing more than 100 separate construction contracts, coordinating activities with more than 14 local agencies, two Class I Railroads, the Federal Aviation Administration and O’Hare International Airport, and managing more than 20 separate construction management firms to inspect and document the improvements.
Managing a project of this magnitude takes a considerable team effort, which is why V3’s Construction team has been working hand-in-hand with our Structural Engineering experts. A crucial component of any transportation system is ensuring the designed elements achieve the project’s goals; our structural engineers are providing Phase III Support, including review of shop drawings and erection and storage plans, responding to RFIs, and serving as technical experts when issues arise.
“Ensuring structural integrity is a huge responsibility. We take that very seriously.”
Dave Greifzu, Senior Project Manager
A rail runs through it
One of the many structural challenges of this project is present in the Union Pacific railroad running through the site. While temporary track relocations are sometimes necessary for site development, this project requires the permanent relocation of over two miles of railroad track to make room for the corridor: a feat the Tollway had never needed to tackle.
In order to build the proposed structures and due to the close proximity of the proposed rail lines, engineers needed to decipher the best way to cut into the railroad embankment while allowing rail operations to continue unimpeded.
This required extensive research and analysis of:
- Soil retention systems
- Railroad loading ratings
- Global stability
- Retaining wall specifications
“When you’re working on a project of this significance, there’s a responsibility on our shoulders to do our due diligence. It’s a big undertaking.”
Elizabeth Theis, Railroad Bridge Engineer
Unique challenges, innovative answers
With so many moving parts, managing the EOWA Project’s construction requires constant attention to detail and creative problem solving as challenges arise. In addition to relocating train tracks, our team has been heavily involved with O’Hare Airport to help move three jet fuel pipelines and four different sets of landing lights. By working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), our team has taken the necessary steps to minimize impacts to airport operations while maintaining project momentum.
At every turn, we’ve offered expert guidance to keep budgets and timelines intact. For example, building a structure of this size takes considerable materials—an estimated two million cubic yards embankment of reported materials. In smaller projects, the owner typically leaves finding materials up to budget and market availability, but the scale of this work dictated a more innovative approach. Our team worked with the Tollway to find an outside-the-box sourcing solution: the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) of Greater Chicago. The government agency had stockpiled materials that were taking up valuable real estate. By partnering with the MWRD team, we were able to reallocate those materials to the Tollway and give the local park district new space.
Additional V3 responsibilities include:
- Oversight of multiple construction management firms
- Schedule coordination
- Utility relocation oversight
- Corridor earthwork management efforts
True partnership
The EOWA Project marks the fifth time the Tollway has chosen V3 to help deliver transformative results to its transportation systems. Multiyear projects are always in flux; V3’s expert forecasting helps balance the timing between design, planning, permitting, and other project milestones to ensure work keeps moving forward. Not only have we been trusted with this significant work, but we’ve also been given the opportunity to help inspire the next generation of engineers through giving jobsite tours on the Tollway’s behalf.
“The trust the Tollway has in V3 validates all the good work we did in the past. This project is six times bigger than our last job and has satisfied so many career goals for myself and my team.”
Pete Stukas
Work with V3’s Structural and Construction experts
Our structural and construction engineering groups bring highly qualified, seasoned experience to a diverse mix of projects ranging from highway and railroad bridge design to innovative earth retaining systems and beyond. Connect with our team for more information.