Illinois Tollway Systemwide Fiber Optic Maintenance

JWI provides construction management and inspection services for the ISTHA Fiber Maintenance project. The project comprises approximately 600 poles, a 432F fiber optic cable spanning both sides of I-90 from I-294 to Barrington Road, and handholes for splicing. JWI spearheaded maintenance efforts and provided extensive documentation services for G4S. With JWI’s oversight, ISTHA’s I-90 Corridor has been reconstructed, widened, and improved. A new fiber optic system was added to support smart traffic devices and improve their duct system to allow leasing fiber ducts to more customers.

The new Fiber Optic system and quick backbone fiber run were installed during the widening construction. JWI maintains an on-site presence in management and engineering roles, providing inspection services while the new, permanent backbone IT and customer fibers are installed along I-90’s new 24-mile span. JWI provides Outside Plant Engineering and Watch and Protect services, Asset Management support for the fiber network, and Lane Closure Requests and MOT plans. These services are deemed “boots on the ground” as our staff oversees and assists with field installations. We document all activities and provide detailed Adesta-related fiber installation write-ups. Our team utilizes e-Builder project management software to record all activities. JWI is also tasked with creating contract language for biddable documents on FOCUR (Fiber Optic Construction Upon Request) contracts. JWI submits contractual agreements to the Tollway, including specifications, guide drawings, and engineer estimates.

JWI provides an Adesta Liaison Engineer who oversees ALL fiber projects across the Tollway’s system. This includes being a significant contributor during all Construction Progress Meetings that affect the Tollway Fiber Network. It also provides scheduling, budgetary oversight, project management, construction management, scheduling OSP/Splice/Watch & Protect staff, and documenting all activities utilizing e-Builder project management software. We also have CADD technicians staffed who provide services, including creating Detailed Standards that are used and maintained by Adesta. These standards end up being part of future Tollway design projects. The CADD staff are also engaged in creating all Tollway Record Drawings. The lead CADD technician is tasked with a QC role.

Much of the work currently associated with this project is along the 294 corridor. Since the corridor has very limited ROW, our team has been tasked with making on-the-spot decisions for the Contractor to move the project along. This takes a solid knowledge base and confidence to make decisions. Another challenge is associated with the fact that our Liason Engineer has been tasked with multiple Systemwide Contracts that require him to respond quickly with options and recommendations during the many Progress Meetings he attends.