Client: Illinois Department of Transportation

Clark Dietz provided construction inspection services for the Illinois Department of Transportation as part of the I-80 improvement project at Wheeler Avenue and River Road. This comprehensive infrastructure upgrade involved two full bridge replacements, and several roadway enhancements designed to improve safety and traffic flow in the area.

The scope of the project included the installation of fence railing, upgraded drainage systems, full pavement reconstruction, sidewalk and ADA-compliant ramp construction, guardrail replacement, storm sewer installation, and erosion control measures. To accommodate construction and ensure public safety, traffic detours were implemented both north and south of the bridges. The final phase of the work included landscaping to restore the area.

This image shows a bridge construction site where workers in high-visibility gear and hard hats are actively engaged in pouring and smoothing concrete over a reinforced steel rebar structure.

Wheeler Avenue Bridge

The new Wheeler Avenue Bridge features 11-foot lanes, 5-foot shoulders, 5-foot sidewalks, and a 12-foot turn lane. It was constructed as a semi-integral abutment bridge using 45-inch web plate girders and spans a total length of 245 feet. The structure replaces an aging bridge that previously consisted of two abutments and three piers. The new design significantly reduces the number of piers to a single center pier, supported by metal piles—a necessary change to accommodate the widening of I-80.

This image captures a construction worker in a high-visibility vest labeled "Clark Dietz" and a hard hat, taking measurements or checking the alignment of a concrete structure. In the background, an excavator with a "Liebherr" logo is lifting a bucket, likely pouring or moving materials.

River Road Bridge

At 234 feet long, the River Road Bridge includes 11-foot lanes, 4-foot shoulders, and a 10-foot-wide multi-use path on the east side of River Road. Like Wheeler Avenue, it was constructed as a semi-integral abutment bridge, though built on slightly smaller 40-inch web plate girders. A soldier pile wall was added as part of the project to support the roadway due to the considerable grade change in the area and to provide a stable foundation for the multi-use path.

Utility Coordination

Construction occurred in close proximity to high-pressure gas lines owned and operated by Kinder Morgan and TC Energy. As a result, extensive coordination was required throughout the project. This included reviewing submittals, managing crossing applications, organizing heavy equipment crossings, conducting plan reviews, and holding numerous field meetings to ensure compliance and safety.

Project Timeline

Demolition and closure of the River Road Bridge began in December 2024, with work progressing efficiently. The project is now approximately 75% complete and remains on track for completion by the end of September 2024. Meanwhile, the Wheeler Avenue Bridge has entered its closeout phase and is expected to be fully completed by October 2024.