Jackson Park Transportation Network Improvements

IEI provided Preliminary and Final Design Engineering services for the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Mobility Improvements Project in Jackson Park, home of the future Obama Presidential Center, in support of the Chicago Park District’s South Lakefront Framework Plan – a transformational project that aims to increase safety, roadway mobility and pedestrian accommodation in and around the park. IEI led a team of six firms to deliver this project that will result in new economic opportunities for the surrounding South Side neighborhood with over five-acres of new greenspace in the city.

PRELIMINARY DESIGN SERVICES included public outreach and involvement; data collection; preparation of base maps and mosaics; geometric studies; safety studies including crash analysis; capacity analysis including intersection design studies; route and topographic survey; bridge inspections and condition reports; location drainage studies; cost estimates. This project was processed as an Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI) and a Combined Design Report (CDR) was prepared. The project involved significant environmental studies and utilizing the NEPA/404 Merger Process.

FINAL DESIGN SERVICES included roadway widening and rehabilitation; sidewalk, multiuse path and ADA improvements; complete street and traffic calming improvements; traffic signal Improvements; street lighting improvements; pedestrian lighting improvements; reconfiguration and partial relocation of Cornell Drive; roadway drainage improvements; existing bridge and underpass widenings; bridge rehabilitation of the Hayes Drive arch bridge; and, three new pedestrian underpasses beneath Hayes Drive.

PROJECT CHALLENGES

• Delivered preliminary and final design services concurrently.
• Managed Environmental Assessment through two lead federal agencies – the National Park Service & the Federal Highway Administration.
• Safeguarded environmental and historic resources within the project area.