Projects

I-294/I-57 Interchange

I-294/I-57 Interchange

Cook County, Illinois
United States
i-57 at i-294

TYLin provided Phase I Environmental Assessment and Phase II Engineering Services for the construction of the Tri-State Tollway (I-294)/I-57 Interchange in Cook County, Illinois.

Completed for the Illinois Tollway, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the I-294/I-57 Interchange Project connects these important highways, reducing travel times and congestion on local routes.  

Additional benefits include encouraging economic development and creating new jobs through better access to the Tollway system. The interchange also creates new connections for historically disadvantaged communities that had no access to an interstate. 

Project elements analyzed in Phase I included the geometry of multiple new ramps and flyover bridges at the I-57/I-294 Interchange, bridge replacements at the I-57/147th Street and I-294/147th Street Interchanges, and bridge inspections and condition reports for modifications to accommodate new or revised geometrics. Other elements included multiple retaining walls, and extensions and/or replacements of existing box culverts and new box culverts.  

After investigating the project area and conducting studies, TYLin made recommendations in a Combined Design Report, with Structure Type, Size and Location drawings for 19 structures.  

Phase II included providing the Project Management Plan, the Project Financial Plan, and project scheduling for plan production bidding and construction. Along with main contracts for roadways, ramps, and bridges, small business contracts were also prepared for the demolition of 32 buildings, utilities relocation, off-system roadway pavement work, and aesthetic landscaping.  

Multiple sets of staged construction plans were prepared for Phase II, allowing the logical, sequential construction of roadway segments previously defined in the planning documents.  

TYLin also performed analysis for the construction of a new, adjacent partial diamond interchange where I-294 crosses over 147th Street (IL 83). Improvements to the existing I-57/147th Street diamond-type interchange and potential capacity issues, roadway deficiencies, and safety needs along 147th Street were addressed.  

Project Highlights: 

  • The vital interchange is designed to attract new development and support existing businesses to move the goods and services they produce and purchase. 

  • Extensive coordination was required with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, IDOT, adjacent suburban communities, other related permitting agencies, and subconsultants. 

  • The Environmental Assessment was processed on an accelerated schedule, with design approval received one year after notice-to-proceed. 

  • Along with a Constructability Review, TYLin evaluated the interchange design according to the I-LAST™ Illinois-Livable and Sustainable Transportation (I-LAST) Rating System and Guide. 

  • A Crash Analysis Report and overall project Maintenance of Traffic planning and scheduling were provided. 

  • Conceptual signage, pavement marking types, traffic signals, lighting concepts, and the inclusion of an all-electronic toll collection system were part of TYLin’s assessment. 

  • A total of 15 separate sets of construction bid packages were prepared, including plans, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates. 

  • TYLin also provided the Drainage Study for the relocation of Dixie Creek, compensatory storage, detention pond analysis and locations, and floodway impacts.  

Image credit: Blueprint22 Photography

Services

Awards
National Recognition Award, 2015
American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC)
Honor Award, 2015
American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL)
Project of the Year, 2015
American Public Works Association (APWA), Southwest Branch
Special Achievement Award, 2010
American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL)
Honor Award, Transportation, 2023
American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois (ACEC-IL)

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