Construction of Des Plaines River Valley Bridge
The project includes the construction of a 1.3-mile, six-lane bridge over the Des Plaines River Valley. The structure is a pre-cast, post-tensioned concrete bridge that will rise 90 feet above the ground at its highest point, with three lanes in each direction. The bridge will run from north of Bluff Road to south of New Avenue and will span the I & M Canal, the Sanitary & Ship Canal, several railroad lines, the Des Plaines River, and the Forest Preserve in the central section of the bridge. Work began in March to drill the caisson foundations for the new bridge piers and construction north of Bluff Road. Crews also have begun drilling foundations for bridge piers south of New Avenue. The bridge will feature a total of 34 piers; five piers north of Bluff Road will be 10-20 feet in height, and the 29 piers south of Bluff Road and through the Valley will have an average height of 75 feet.
A low-level bridge was constructed over the Des Plaines River and will be used to move equipment during construction of the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge. Once the project is complete, the bridge will be turned over to the Will County Forest Preserve for use in connecting their trail systems. The Tollway will utilize the low-level bridge in order to inspect and maintain the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge. There will be minimal impact to drivers with construction of the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge, since it is not in close proximity to residential areas or businesses.
Major Projects 2007
Business-Labor Airport Coalition
I-355 Extension
Construction of I-55 and I-80 Interchanges