For Clark Dietz, the River Road Bridge over I-80 in Will County, IL, marked more than just another construction project. Finished in November 2024, this project not only reintroduced critical infrastructure work to the corridor, but it also set a high standard for collaboration, engineering precision, and safety.
Beyond its structural complexity, the bridge’s rural setting added its own challenges and opportunities, allowing the team to focus on design and construction in a quieter, less congested environment while still navigating critical technical considerations. Along with the I-80 over Wheeler Avenue project, it reestablished Clark Dietz’s presence on major IDOT projects.
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Rebuilding in One Stage
The River Road Bridge was reconstructed in a single stage, a strategic approach that allowed work to proceed efficiently while maintaining safety and quality. Al Lapinskas summarized the project’s scope:
“The scope of work was to close the existing river bridge over I-80 and detour traffic to reconstruct the bridge in one full stage, thus saving time for everyone working on the bridge here.”
This meant fully demolishing the old bridge, rebuilding both the substructure and superstructure, and reconfiguring the piers. The original four-span bridge was converted into a two-span design, enabling the roadway underneath to be widened. A multi-use path was constructed along the east side, separated from traffic by a barrier wall, while guardrails, signage, pavement markings, and other roadway improvements completed the project. To support the grade change approaching I-80, a soldier pile retaining wall was also constructed.
Designing for Safety and Future Connectivity
The multi-use path is a key feature, providing a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists. Lapinskas emphasized the importance of planning for the future:
“The multi-use path continues off the bridge to our project limits, and at some point, it’s terminated because there’s no existing path to the north or south of the bridge yet. I look forward to seeing if the path is expanded.”
The bridge’s design not only improves safety today, but also prepares the corridor for potential connections to local bike networks and community pathways in the future.
Teamwork Behind the Success
This project was a collaborative effort in partnership with IDOT, with multiple team members contributing to its success. Chester Kochan, PE, served as the IDOT Project Manager, while Alec Field served as the Documentation Technician.
Collaborative teamwork among the project team aided in the group overcoming a significant challenge: utility coordination, particularly with the high-pressure gas mains running beneath the site. Lapinskas described the technical hurdles:
Pre-tree removal
“One of the most challenging things was coordinating with the underground utilities, specifically the high-pressure gas mains. These mains run from Canada down to Texas and are protected lines. We had to notify the utility company every time new equipment was going over them or when we were working in the area. We couldn’t vibrate temporary metal sheeting for soil retention over the lines, so we had to excavate, install the sheeting, and then backfill.”
In addition to coordinating around the high-pressure gas mains, portions of the retaining wall were redesigned to accommodate the utilities. The team carefully adjusted the construction sequence, working on one side of the bridge while resolving design updates on the other.
Through careful planning, innovative solutions, and strong communication among Clark Dietz, IDOT, and the field team, the project was completed safely and efficiently. The result is a bridge that meets modern safety standards and prepares the corridor for future improvements.
A Unique Work Environment
Lapinskas also highlighted the project’s rural setting as a positive factor:
“The remoteness of the site was a refreshing change. It allowed our team to focus on engineering, quality, and safety without the constant interruptions you get in urban projects. It was a good opportunity to get our feet wet back with IDOT.”
The combination of a relatively quiet worksite, careful engineering, and a strong collaborative team made the River Road Bridge a successful and smoothly executed project.
Looking Ahead
Completed in November 2024, the River Road Bridge now stands as a testament to planning, precision, and teamwork. Its new structure, multi-use path, and improved roadway alignment are ready for current needs and future expansion. As one of the first IDOT projects in the area in over a decade, it also sets a standard for the corridor’s ongoing improvements.
Learn More About Related Projects
- I-80 at Wheeler Avenue Project
- Past River Road Bridge Updates
- Improving I-80 at Wheeler Avenue and River Road: Clark Dietz’s Role in Enhancing Infrastructure
- I-80 at Wheeler Avenue and at River Road, Phase III
Clark Dietz Project Manager: Al Lapinskas, PE
