PTB 201-006 – IL 43 (63rd to 65th)

Chicago, Illinois

DB Sterlin conducted a topographic survey and performed civil design, including mapping existing utilities, coordinating with utility owners, designing water main relocation, and designing structural retaining walls. A topographic survey was conducted along the drainage outfall corridor on IL 43, north of the grade separation improvements. Due to the project limits spanning multiple municipalities, existing utility atlas retrieval was performed through both the JULIE and City of Chicago OUC IR processes. Existing utilities were then mapped, and utility base sheets were prepared. Civil support also included designing the relocation of the Village of Summit’s 6-inch water main, which conflicted with the proposed 72-inch outfall sewer. Coordination with various municipalities, including the Village of Summit and the City of Chicago, as well as other utility owners, was provided. Structural design support included designing retaining wall 5 along the southeast side of 65th Street at Old Harlem Ave and a temporary retaining wall along 65th Street for traffic maintenance during construction.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is conducting a preliminary engineering and environmental study considering improvements to IL 43 (Harlem Avenue) between 63rd Street and 65th Street, which could include grade separation of the BRC railroad crossings. Based on public input received and in an effort to minimize impacts, the study team recommends constructing a bridge on 65th Street over the Belt Railway Company (BRC) railroad; raising IL 43 (Harlem Avenue) to provide an elevated intersection at 65th Street; bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic safety improvements at IL 43 (Harlem Avenue) and 63rd Street, and drainage improvements.