Serving as a vital hub for local, regional and national freight traffic, the Circle Interchange plays a major role in our nation’s transportation system. Past research has shown the interchange to be the slowest and most congested highway freight bottleneck in the nation. It is only fitting that any improvements be implemented in an effort to keep traffic running smoothly. This project incorporated approximately 5,050 feet of improvementincluding construction of approximately 2,075 feet of a brand new flyover ramp from Northbound Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) to the Westbound Eisenhower (I-290). The structure is comprised of 15 spans including six curved spans and will house two 12-foot lanes with inner and outer shoulders approximately 8-10 feet wide.

Other tasks included construction of retaining walls, temporary pavement, drainage, interstate lighting, ITS, signing, traffic control and protection, landscaping, aesthetic treatments, pavement markings and reconstruction of the westbound Morgan Street exit Ramp.

Our construction inspectors performed contract documentation, including daily report entries into the Quantity Book, authorization of change order requests, and pay estimates. Ardmore Roderick assisted in the review and processing of material submittals to IDOT as well as the review of material inspection source documentation for pay items and specification requirements. Finally, we reviewed the project schedule to note how various issues, contractor and non-contractor related,impacted the schedule. All findings were reported periodically at weekly progress meetings with the General Contractor.