I-294 Bridges Over 87th Street and Roberts Road Wins Two Top Awards
Thanks to the reconstruction of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) bridges over 87th Street and Roberts Road, nearly 220,000 vehicles a day safely cross the bridges, about 33,000 people traverse the roadway underneath – and now you can play checkers in the new community space beneath the bridges!
This transformative project – led by the Illinois Tollway in collaboration with Cook County and the City of Hickory Hills – recently earned top honors from two separate professional organizations:
- The American Public Works Association, Chicago Metro Chapter, Southwest Branch, named it a Project of the Year in Transportation
- The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois recognized it with an Honor Award in Transportation, as well as a Judges’ Choice Award
Part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project, the $50 million reconstruction was more than a bridge replacement: It reconnected communities, improved safety for motorists and pedestrians, enhanced public space and set a new standard for collaborative infrastructure delivery in the Chicago region.
“The I-294 Bridges Over 87th Street and Roberts Road Project shows that tackling a structural issue is just the beginning of the benefits to the broader community,” said APWA Chicago, Southwest Branch, Awards Committee Chair Alex Alejandro. “By working collaboratively with other government agencies and local municipalities, the Tollway delivered a unique infrastructure project that will benefit Chicago Southland communities for generations to come.”
From early planning stages through construction, the Illinois Tollway and its partners prioritized a redesigned intersection beneath the bridges that would improve safety for local drivers and pedestrians. The final design created space for a one-of-a-kind community area featuring outdoor fitness equipment, recreation space, seating and improved pedestrian access to the nearby Prairie Pond walking path.
“The I-294 Bridges Over 87th Street and Roberts Road Project transformed a complex site into a modern, resilient piece of infrastructure,” said ACEC Illinois President and CEO Kevin Artl. “The success was built on collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions. Their input helped shape a final product that reflects regional priorities and local needs.”
The Tollway congratulates the project team for its coordinated efforts in delivering on a unified vision for this unique project.
HDR served as lead design firm. Burns & McDonnell/RM Chin/SE3 provided construction management services. FH Paschen and MYS served as general contractors. GFT and AECOM supported corridor management and design oversight. EXP designed the local improvements beneath the structure. Construction oversight was provided by the City of Hickory Hills and Robinson Engineering, with coordination from Cook County, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the villages of Justice and Bridgeview.
Local improvements included adding a right-turn lane from 87th Street to Roberts Road to enhance traffic flow and safety, as well as wider sidewalks, open space and customized aesthetics including transparent acrylic noisewalls on the bridge. This innovative material is not only visually appealing but also highly effective at reducing noise pollution – a common concern for residents living near major roadways, while maintaining visual connectivity.