The federal government should work to ensure that the funds they control prioritize repair, while nudging states and metros toward the same goal, maintain transportation advocacy organizations.
(Illinois Department of Transportation photo)
Construction crews at work on an ambitious $150 million rehabilitation of the Kennedy Expressway are on track to complete Stage One this fall. The Illinois Department of Transportation's Kennedy Expressway Bridge Rehabilitation Project from Edens Expressway (I-94) junction to Ohio Street is scheduled to span three construction seasons. It will consist of improvements to 36 bridges as well as numerous other upgrades and repairs to signage, lights and other structures.
The Kennedy Expressway opened in November 1960, with the last major rehabilitation completed in 1994. The I-90/Kennedy Expressway is the direct access to O'Hare International Airport as well as a core local expressway for moving traffic in and around the city. Its bridge structures provide support to 275,000 vehicles per day, including personal vehicles and freight trucks.
The structures were originally built more than 50 years ago and were last repaired in 2012. "Since then, the decks have begun to show signs of deterioration and the 2012 repairs have reached the end of their intended lifespan," said IDOT spokeswoman Maria Castanedo. "IDOT is now planning to make long-term improvements to improve the condition of the mainline Kennedy Expressway structures to help ease maintenance and ensure their continual service." The I-90/I-94 project is designed to increase safety, reduce maintenance costs and improve traffic flow.
Stage One of the project focuses on inbound lane improvements including repairs to bridge decks; pavement patching; overhead sign-structure replacements; installing new signage; LED lighting upgrades; structural painting; and rehabilitation of the Reversible Lane Access Control (REVLAC) system. The REVLAC System, or reversibles, gives drivers access to two additional lanes for inbound and outbound use during peak hours. The system improves traffic flow and travel times. It also was originally built in the 1970s and is controlled through analog means. The current project will modernize the system's hardware and software, reduce the cost of operation and maintenance and make the REVLAC system current with the technology of the 21st century, Castaneda said. In Stage One, the reversible lanes are scheduled to be open in the inbound direction while two mainland inbound lanes will be closed.
IDOT's rehabilitation timeline indicates each bridge will take approximately six weeks to complete — weather permitting. An added benefit to the rehabilitation of the bridges is the use of latex concrete that will have a lifespan of 25 years.
Timeline
- Demolition of bridge deck: one week
- Replacement and repair of bridge joints: two weeks
- Installing latex concrete: one week
- Allowing concrete to set to ensure full strength: two weeks
Stage One is scheduled to end in the fall with Stage Two beginning in the spring of 2024. The second phase will continue with REVLAC improvements.
According to IDOT, "The reversible express lanes will be closed to accommodate rehabilitation of the REVLAC system and bridge structures, along with pavement patching. In addition, mainline lane closures will be needed to accommodate painting and the installation of new LED lighting in both directions of Hubbard's Cave, between Ohio and Lake streets. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2024 and be completed in fall 2024."
In Stage Three, "The reversible express lanes will remain open in the outbound direction, while two mainline outbound lanes will be closed at a time. Lane shifts and overnight lane closures, along with various ramp closures will be needed to complete the work. Additionally, new LED lighting installation and painting will be completed on outbound Hubbard's Cave, between Ohio and Lake streets. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2025 and be completed in late fall 2025. CEG
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