Roads and Bridges names Mile Long Bridge the No 1 Bridge Project in North America
The Mile Long Bridge has topped Roads & Bridges’ annual ranking of the best bridge projects in North America for 2023.
The Top 10 Bridges ranks recently completed bridge projects based on project challenges, impact to the region and scope of work. The Mile Long Bridge Project was selected as No. 1 on the list for 2023.
The $500 million Mile Long Bridge Project includes construction of two new, wider bridge structures, as well as stormwater, drainage and related infrastructure improvements. In addition, inside shoulders were built to serve as flex lanes, which can accommodate transit during heavier periods and various safety-related needs in case of emergencies.
“The new Mile Long Bridge significantly improves travel for our customers and serves as a critical piece of infrastructure on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) corridor,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “It’s an honor for this project to be named the No. 1 bridge project in North America for 2023.”
The Mile Long Bridge Project team overcame numerous challenges.
Built in 1958, the twin structures carry up to 150,000 vehicles a day over two major railroads, the Des Plaines River, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal and the Illinois and Michigan Canal, local roads and major distribution centers for UPS and the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway.
Due to the complexity of the area surrounding the construction site, the Mile Long Bridge Project required extensive coordination with six surrounding communities, environmental agencies, utilities, railroads, major businesses, property owners and local agencies. The project also required coordination among the Illinois Tollway, 69 engineering firms and 109 construction firms working on the project.
Because the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) is the most heavily traveled interstate on the Illinois Tollway system, it was vital to expedite the project to minimize impact on motorists.
The project began in spring 2019 with construction of the new northbound bridge to the east of the existing bridge. The new northbound bridge was completed in November 2020. The old northbound structure was then demolished and construction of the new southbound bridge was complete in October 2022. The remaining demolition and restoration work occurred while Tollway customers continued to use the new bridges without disruption.
Construction of the twin bridge structures increased capacity from four lanes to five lanes in both directions as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project, under which the Illinois Tollway is reconstructing and widening a 22-mile corridor on I-294 to provide congestion relief, reconstruct old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand and address regional needs. The $4 billion I-294 Project is scheduled to be completed in 2026.