HR Green and City of Wood Dale Win APWA Project of the Year -Transportation Award

IL19 at Wood Dale Road Intersection Reconstruction Project Honored

The Suburban Branch of the American Public Works Association (APWA) recently awarded the City of Wood Dale and HR Green, Inc. (HR Green) the 2018 Public Works Project of the Year in Transportation (category $5 million – $25 million) for the “IL19 at Wood Dale Road Intersection Reconstruction Project.”

HR Green was retained by the City of Wood Dale, IL to prepare plans and specifications, and provide construction observation, for the reconstruction of Irving Park Road (IL19) at Wood Dale Road intersection to improve safety and alleviate congestion. HR Green also provided drainage improvements including a new storm sewer and water main.

There are two at-grade railroad crossings at the intersection. The Metra Milwaukee District West rail line operates a double track facility accommodating freight and commuter traffic, in excess of 75 trains per day. The project included widening and reconstruction of IL19 and Wood Dale Road to provide auxiliary turn lanes at the signalized intersection.

The complexities associated with the reconstruction and widening of IL19 and Wood Dale Road required a tremendous amount of communication between the City of Wood Dale, DuPage County, the Contractor, the businesses, residents, commuters, IDOT and Metra. Access to businesses was maintained throughout construction.

Due to the complexity of the coordination for the new traffic signals, along with the incorporation of the two railroad crossings, the existing traffic signal controllers at five other adjacent interconnected intersections along IL19 were required to be changed to accommodate the new master traffic controller at the IL19 and Wood Dale Road intersection.

Additionally, design elements were implemented to make for a safer intersection design. Specifically, textured and colored crosswalks were incorporated, protective railing/fencing were placed for pedestrians, and clearly delineated pedestrian crosswalks were designed and implemented to funnel pedestrians to safe points for roadway and railroad crossings. Railroad pedestrian gates were implemented, as were vehicular quad gates.

According to Nunzio Pulice, Mayor of Wood Dale, not only did the project of the year address safety, but it will serve as a standard for downtown revitalization. “For decades, this intersection and its unusual layout has been a source of safety concerns, delays and driver frustration,” said Pulice. “The new improvements have helped improve safety, reduce driver confusion and congestion. The aesthetic enhancements will be the foundation of the downtown revitalization program the City of Wood Dale has initiated.”