Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) Roadway Resurfacing
Location: Ogle and DeKalb Counties, IL
Leon Kraut led the preparation of contract plans and specifications for the proposed roadway resurfacing of the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) between IL 251 (M.P. 76.1) and Annie Glidden Road (M.P. 91.4). This $65 million, 15-mile project consisted of the milling and resurfacing of two lanes in each direction of the Tollway along with outside shoulder reconstruction. Additionally, bridge repairs for eight crossing road structures and two dual mainline structures within the project limits were performed. Other major design elements included: surveying; ramp reconstruction at I-39 and Annie Glidden Road Interchanges; concrete pavement patching at Toll Plaza 66; barrier warrant analysis; soil erosion/sedimentation control measures; lighting design; maintenance of traffic design; and drainage design.
Per the client’s request, the project was designed under an accelerated and expedited schedule, which condensed the design phase duration from 18 months to 12 months. Roadway design consisted of a Concept Plan, Preliminary Plans, Pre-Final Plans, and Final Plans stages. During these various milestones, various details for milling and resurfacing were evaluated; patching and overlay of existing rubblized mainline and ramp pavements was analyzed; rehabilitation of the outside shoulder including underdrain design was determined; new drainage structures and modification of the existing drainage system was evaluated and designed; roadway lighting was analyzed and updated as required in areas currently illuminated; barrier warrants were analyzed and necessary installation of guardrail, anchors, and terminals were performed in accordance to current AASHTO Guidelines and Illinois Tollway criteria; and maintenance of traffic plans for the Tollway, IDOT, and crossroad traffic during construction was provided.
Additionally, detailed inspections and preparation of bridge condition reports of the eight crossing road structures and two dual mainline structures within the project limits was performed. Included in this evaluation was the performance of life-cycle cost analyses for these structures with repair recommendations reviewed and approved by the Tollway. The plans and specifications included provisions and details for deck patching, deck overlays, substructure formed concrete repairs, and joint replacements. Furthermore, the repairs for the mainline structures were completed under staged traffic conditions while the crossroad structures were completed under staged closed conditions.
The project included coordination with various Agencies, including but not limited to: the Army Corps of Engineers; the Illinois Department of Natural Resources; the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; the Office of Water Resources; the Illinois Department of Transportation; the Cities of DeKalb and Rochelle; and the Counties of Ogle and DeKalb. Additionally, detailed coordination was performed with all utilities in the project area to avoid and/or alleviate any utility conflicts created by the project scope of work.
The project implemented the Tollway’s sustainability program (INVEST), which encourages the use of renewable energy and green technology while also adopting best practices to reduce energy consumption. Furthermore, design of appropriate landscape and soil erosion/sedimentation control measures was provided in accordance with the Tollway’s Environmental Studies Manual.
