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Along one of Cook County’s busiest corridors, JWI is working with the Illinois Department of Transportation as the Prime Construction Management Consultant to enhance safety, accessibility, and long-term performance for the thousands of drivers.
Project Overview and Our Team
This project extends along a 5.53-mile gross corridor, including approximately 500 feet of Frontage Road, and passes through the City of Northlake and the Villages of Melrose Park, River Forest, Stone Park, River Grove, and Elmwood Park.
As a major urban area with high traffic volumes, IL 64 required a well-balanced approach that supports daily travel while delivering key infrastructure upgrades.
To support successful project delivery, JWI has assembled a dedicated on-site team: Julio Aybar P.E. is the Resident Engineer, Kelsey Wegg, P.E. is the Documentation Engineer, and Alfonso Delgadillo is the Field Technician on this project. Our team is overseeing all aspects outlined below:
Extending Pavement Life and Ride Quality
A primary objective of the project is to extend the service life of the existing pavement structure while improving overall surface conditions. The roadway rehabilitation strategy centers on a designed Hot-Mix Asphalt (HMA) overlay, informed by pavement condition data, structural evaluations, and projected traffic loading.
Pavement improvements include:
- Milling of the existing asphalt surface
- Placement of leveling binder courses where needed
- Installation of a new surface course to improve ride quality and skid resistance
- Localized full-depth and partial-depth patching at distressed areas
Improving Drainage and System Resilience
This project also incorporated targeted drainage improvements to enhance hydraulic performance and reduce localized ponding along the corridor. All upgrades are designed to meet applicable hydraulic criteria and support long-term system reliability.
Drainage improvements include:
- Cleaning, adjustment, or replacement of existing storm sewer structures
- Installation of new inlets and connecting storm sewer piping where needed
- Regrading of shoulders and roadside ditches to improve runoff conveyance
- Adjustment of utility structures to the final grade following resurfacing
These enhancements protect the roadway investment and improve safety during storms.
Enhancing ADA Accessibility
Improving accessibility is a central component of the work JWI is overseeing on the IL 64 project. Pedestrian facilities are being upgraded to meet current Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) standards, creating a safer and more inclusive corridor for everyone.
ADA improvements include:
- Reconstruction of curb ramps at intersections and mid-block crossings
- Installation of detectable warning surfaces
- Adjustment of sidewalk cross slopes and running slopes to meet compliance thresholds
- Coordination of ramp placement with crosswalk markings and signalized intersections
These upgrades enhance mobility for individuals with visual and mobility impairments while also strengthening pedestrian connectivity throughout the corridor.
Maintaining Traffic Flow During Construction
Because IL 64 serves local and regional traffic, construction is designed to maintain traffic flow throughout the entirety of the project. Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) strategies prioritize safety, access, and minimizing disruptions for residents.
Traffic control measures include lane closures with temporary traffic control devices, temporary pavement markings and signage, and phased construction to preserve local access and commercial activity.
An Investment in Safety
This corridor plays a vital role in daily travel and regional connectivity. JWI is coordinating these improvements to ensure this project delivers consistent and safe roadway conditions.
Once complete, it will offer smoother pavement, stronger drainage performance, and fully ADA-compliant pedestrian infrastructure.
Our team is excited to be working on a project that aims to benefit the future of our roadways, and we look forward to delivering the final result!