Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
Phase I, II & III Services
Lemont, IL
2017
IL Rte. 171 over Long Run Creek
HBM Engineering Group, LLC orchestrated an extensive and multifaceted project aimed at enhancing the infrastructure on Illinois Route 171 (Archer Avenue) by replacing the existing bridge over Long Run Creek and approach roadway reconstruction in Will and Cook Counties. This comprehensive endeavor involved meticulous planning, precise design, and rigorous engineering efforts, encompassing not only the bridge itself but also an array of critical tasks to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the entire transportation system.
The existing bridge, composed of two spans measuring 26 feet and 10 ½ inches in length, with a back-to-back abutment length of 58 feet and a width of 47 feet, was constructed using pre-stressed concrete box beams. The project necessitated the replacement of this aging structure with a new three-span bridge, featuring a back-to-back abutment length of 246 feet and 3 ¾ inches, and a substantial width of 83 feet and 2 inches.
The new bridge was designed with a cast-in-place concrete deck supported by precast pre-stressed concrete beams resting on steel H-pile integral abutments and piers structures. The design adhered to the 2012 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, 6th Addition, accommodating HL-93 lane loading. Additionally, the project complied with IDOT ABD Memorandum 12.3 and the latest editions of IDOT’s Bridge and Hydraulics Manuals. Construction plans involved the use of cofferdam type 2 for pier 1 construction, an earth retention system, and temporary sheet piles to facilitate staged construction of the bridge and roadway
HBM’s Scope:
- Bridge Design
- Roadway Reconstruction
- Drainage Design
- Traffic Control and Protection
- Traffic Signals
- Environmental Compliance
- Cost Estimation
- Construction Engineering
HBM’s scope of work encompassed the following key elements:
- Bridge Design: The project involved the detailed design of the new three-span bridge, including specifications for a cast-in-place concrete deck on precast pre-stressed concrete beams supported by steel H-pile integral abutments and piers structures. The design adhered to industry standards, such as the 2012 AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification, 6th Addition for HL-93 lane loading, IDOT ABD Memorandum 12.3, and the most current additions of IDOT’s Bridge and Hydraulics Manuals.
- Roadway Reconstruction: HBM’s design included 2,144.55 feet of roadway reconstruction with a new profile approximately 6 feet higher than the existing roadway profile at certain locations. This reconstruction involved updating and verifying the existing topographic survey, establishing horizontal and vertical control, and preparing plans for typical sections, alignment and ties, pavement jointing details, ADA-compliant sidewalk elevations, pavement markings, erosion control, landscaping, utility and drainage, and cross sections.
- Drainage Design: The project included a comprehensive drainage design that analyzed and designed storm sewers, ditches, and compensatory storage to manage water effectively and prevent flooding or erosion.
- Traffic Control and Protection: HBM devised a multi-stage traffic control plan, employing temporary sheet pile walls and temporary pavement to ensure the continuous flow of traffic on IL Rte. 171 during construction. A detour route was planned to provide an alternative access for local 135th Street traffic, and coordination with IDOT’s detour committee was undertaken to manage traffic safely.
- Traffic Signals: The project included reconstruction plans for one existing intersection and the addition of a new intersection. Traffic signal interconnect plans were developed to link three signalized intersections, enhancing traffic management.
- Environmental Compliance: The project had both permanent and temporary impacts on wetlands and Waters of the United States (WOUS). HBM’s team took responsibility for obtaining permits and preparing environmental documentation, including the Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan, Application for Section 404 Permit Authorization, and documentation required by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
- Cost Estimation: The estimated cost of construction for this complex project was approximately $7.8 million.
