Solutions to Prevent Flooding of I-55

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Solutions to Prevent Flooding of I-55
Divernon, Illinois

Recommended solution will save motorists hours of delays while improving safety during heavy rainfall events
Design solution will allow highway to remain open during construction
Innovative design alternatives will save IDOT money

Floodwater exceeds the banks of Brush Creek overtopping I-55

Interstate 55 near Divernon, Illinois, has a history of flooding in significant rainfall events, with water from Brush Creek reaching depths of 24 inches over the highway. During these events, motorists encounter hours of delays and detours of approximately 50 miles on two-lane state routes.

Steve Donahue, H&S Project Manager, and Christine Reed, IDOT Region Four Engineer, with award-winning project panel

To remedy this situation, the Illinois Department of Transportation asked Horner & Shifrin to prepare a Phase I study for the replacement of the two structures carrying I-55 over Brush Creek as well as the West Frontage Road bridge over Brush Creek. Our study recommended constructing a six-lane interstate, removing the West Frontage Road bridge and relocating the frontage road to IL 104. The highway would be raised four feet and the six-lane section extended to the south through the project area, with the addition of dual three-lane bridge structures.

The primary concern of IDOT was maintaining traffic flow while the project is under construction. H&S developed several innovative alternatives to achieve this goal, resulting in savings to IDOT by their not having to construct a new bridge on the West Frontage Road and the associated costs of maintaining it throughout its service life.

"2006 Engineering Excellence Merit Award"
American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois, 2006

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