I-74 / I-155 Interchange and Interstate Reconstruction

Morton, Illinois

I-74 and I-155 Reconstruction

HEI was selected by IDOT for Phase III services for this interchange/interstate reconstruction project. This $84 million project featured the reconstruction of 3.85 miles of pavement on I-74 and I-155, reconstruction of the I-74/I-155 interchange into a new configuration, reconstruction of the I-74/Morton Avenue interchange, the removal and replacement of six structures, and removal of two additional structures. The work included 12” recycled PCC subbase, 4” HMA base, 11” CRC pavement, MSE retaining walls, soldier pile retaining walls, HMA bike trail, PCC median barrier, pavement removal, storm sewer, pipe culverts, earthwork, highway lighting, and the installation of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) elements for traffic monitoring.

The complex project included 790,000-cy of earthwork, 400,000-cy of aggregate and 93,000-cy of concrete. Unique aspects of the project included the use of light weight concrete for large backfills, the use of a wick drain system to expedite embankment settlement, and a complex staging plan that utilized 14 different stages to maintain traffic flow through the work zone.

HEI was responsible for providing a liaison engineer along with eight inspectors throughout the five year project. The HEI staff was responsible for daily inspection and materials testing, checking contractor layout using GPS Rover, ICORS data entries, quantity and material documentation, materials testing, scheduling staff assignments, and value engineering review.

This project was awarded a ACEC Engineering Excellence Merit Award.