O’Hare Modernization and South Basin

Infrastructure Engineering, Inc. (IEI) was part of the consultant team retained to provide conceptual engineering design and administrative support on civil projects related to the O’Hare Modernization Program. The O’Hare Modernization Program involved upgrades to the existing airfield systems, including the addition of one new runway and the relocation of three existing runways to reduce delays and improve operational safety and efficiency.

IEI performed drainage and grading design for various new runways which involved new runway pavement, parallel connection and high-speed exit taxiways. A separate drainage system was provided for the areas influenced by deicing chemicals. As well as a tunnel under the runway for a service road to the terminal area.

On the South Airfield project, IEI, in Joint Venture with MWH and Delta, was a Lead Engineer for the drainage design. Responsibilities included construction document preparation for Storm Sewer System D; Storm Sewer System G including a part of System H; and local sewers around the Central Basin and South Basin. IEI’s scope also included 1500 feet of 144-inch diameter storm sewer construction by tunneling and jacking, 12 junction chambers and providing support during construction of South Airfield Drainage. The project involved:

• The relocation and expansion of the South Detention Basin from approximately 1100 acre-feet to approximately 1200-1700 acre-feet of detention.
• The expansion of the Central Detention Basin from approximately 150 acre-feet to approximately 300-500 acre-feet of detention.
• The new systems were designed around the existing infrastructure, which will stay in place and be in operation until the new system are constructed and operational.