Wacker Drive Viaduct Utility Relocation

As the prime consultant, IEI provided resident engineering and construction inspection services for the advanced relocation of public utilities required prior to the reconstruction of the Wacker Drive Viaduct project, a reinforced concrete multi-span structure in the heart of downtown Chicago.

The scope of construction work for this project included:

• Relocation of approximately 5000’ each of water mains, storm, and sanitary sewers to depths of 16 feet.
• Dewatering, bypass pumping & sheeting and shoring for support of all excavation.
• Reinforcing and/or filling in select sections of the Chicago Freight and Trolley Tunnel System.
• Coordination of the relocation of various private utilities, including the construction of a Utilidor.
• Coordination with adjacent property owners in order to maintain deliveries, trash removal and access to parking garages.
• Coordination with various community groups and City, State and Federal departments.

Key Issues

• Complex maintenance of traffic (MOT) coordination.
• Extensive outreach to community groups and impacted businesses, as well as City, State and Federal departments.
• Complex utility staging of one of the most congested utility corridors in the City of Chicago.
• Modification to existing ComEd and MWRD structures.