Palmer Ave. over Addison Creek Bridge Replacement
Client City of Northlake
Capability Infrastructure Solutions
Industry Municipalities, Utilities
Scroll to learn moreThe Palmer Avenue Bridge, a vital infrastructure component in the City of Northlake, Cook County, was in need of replacement to maintain public safety, accommodate growing traffic, and improve structural integrity. The original bridge, identified as 016-7611, was an aging structure that could no longer effectively support current traffic demands and was susceptible to deterioration. The replacement bridge, 016-7620, was designed to provide a durable and safer crossing over Addison Creek, enhancing both the transportation network and local infrastructure.
Project Details:
- Location: Palmer Ave. over Addison Creek, City of Northlake, Cook County
- Existing Structure: 016-7611
- Replacement Structure: 016-7620
- Dimensions: 40′ wide (2 traffic lanes + 1 sidewalk + 2 parapet walls) x 34′ long
- Average Daily Traffic: 2,250 vehicles
- Speed Limit: 25 mph
- Road Type: Local Road
Challenges:
- Aging Infrastructure: The original Palmer Avenue bridge was structurally deficient and no longer met modern engineering standards or traffic requirements. This posed safety risks for the community and increased maintenance costs.
- Traffic Volume: With an average daily traffic volume of 2,250 vehicles, the existing bridge was not capable of efficiently handling the increasing demand, particularly with only limited lanes and no designated pedestrian pathway.
- Hydraulic Concerns: Addison Creek is a significant waterway, and the bridge’s design needed to account for potential floodwaters and ensure that the structure would not impede the creek’s natural flow.
- Construction Disruption: Replacing a key bridge in a densely populated area such as Northlake required careful planning to minimize disruption to the local community and traffic flow. Ensuring safe and efficient detours was critical during the construction phase.
Solution:
The City of Northlake, in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), designed a replacement bridge that would address both the immediate concerns with the existing structure and future needs for the community. The project design was overseen by Mark Wrzeszcz, PE, City Engineer, and led by Majid Mobasseri, PhD, PE, SE, Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD., with construction managed by Herlihy Mid-Continent Co. and oversight provided by Eric Taraska, PE, Resident Engineer from Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD.
- Bridge Design: The replacement bridge, identified as 016-7620, was designed to be 40 feet wide, allowing for two traffic lanes, one sidewalk for pedestrians, and two parapet walls. This new design greatly improves safety and accessibility, providing space for both vehicular traffic and pedestrian movement across the bridge. The length of the new bridge is 34 feet, effectively spanning the creek while accommodating adequate clearance for floodwaters.
- Superstructure: The superstructure of the new bridge includes a composite 8” cast-in-place concrete deck supported by 18” Valmont U-BEAM Tub Girders, offering strength, durability, and improved load-bearing capacity. This design ensures the bridge can safely accommodate traffic while reducing the risk of structural failure.
- Hydraulic Considerations: The design of the new bridge addressed concerns related to flooding and hydraulic flow. The new structure provides sufficient clearance for water flow in Addison Creek, minimizing the risk of flood-related damage to the bridge or surrounding areas.
- Traffic Flow and Public Safety: The bridge replacement was carefully phased to minimize disruption to local traffic and provide alternate routes during construction. By maintaining clear detours and closely coordinating with local authorities, the project was able to be completed without significant delays or safety issues for the community.
Outcome:
The Palmer Avenue Bridge replacement project was successfully completed with a modernized structure that meets both current and future demands. The new bridge improves traffic flow by offering wider lanes and a dedicated sidewalk for pedestrians, significantly enhancing safety for all road users.
Key outcomes include:
- Improved Structural Integrity: The new bridge, built with composite concrete and Valmont U-BEAM Tub Girders, is designed to withstand both normal and extreme conditions, ensuring longevity and reducing the need for frequent repairs.
- Enhanced Safety: The addition of a sidewalk and wider traffic lanes provides a safer environment for pedestrians and vehicles alike.
- Flood Resilience: The new bridge is designed to improve hydraulic flow, reducing the risk of flooding that could damage the bridge or block traffic.
- Community Impact: With an average daily traffic of 2,250 vehicles, the new bridge has had a positive impact on the local road network, reducing congestion and improving the quality of life for residents.
Lessons Learned:
- Careful Planning for Disruption: Effective detours and clear communication with the community helped minimize the disruption caused by the bridge replacement. Advanced planning and project phasing were key to maintaining traffic flow during construction.
- Sustainable Design Choices: By using durable materials and accounting for future traffic and flooding concerns, the bridge is built to last and will continue to serve the community for decades.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders: The coordination between the City of Northlake, IDOT, the design consultant, and the contractor ensured that the project met the needs of all stakeholders, from local residents to transportation engineers.
In conclusion, the Palmer Avenue Bridge replacement over Addison Creek has greatly improved the infrastructure in the City of Northlake. The new structure enhances safety, accommodates increasing traffic, and ensures long-term resilience against flooding, providing a lasting solution for this key local road.
