photo[1] copyWork is now underway on the $3.4 billion Elgin O’Hare Western Access Highway Project (EOWA), following an historic groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2013.  The 12- year project is the largest one in the state and will create or support 65,000 jobs by 2040, including the completion of the western terminal at O’Hare Airport.

Douglas Sandner, President of PowerForward DuPage, stated, “We applaud the Illinois Tollway and stakeholders for identifying the need for this project and making it happen! Specifically for the much-needed infrastructure improvements, the anticipated economic development for the area and for the thousands of construction and long-term jobs this project creates. PowerForward DuPage members (contractors and electrical / communications specialists) are the benchmark authority for the electrical & communication industry in the area.”

“We are excited about the opportunities our members will have to engage the project teams in assisting with providing solutions to ensure an on-time and on-budget completion for such a challenging project.  Projects of this magnitude and difficulty require all involved to be qualified, proactive, committed to safety and accustomed to working together within a large scale and diverse team based environment,” said Mr. Sandner.  “The Illinois Tollway projects 100 construction contract awards in 2014, meaning any parties involved will be coordinating with concurrent project teams from before and beyond their specific contract timelines. This makes it all the more necessary to properly staff with the right talent.  PowerForward DuPage members look forward to the challenge.”

Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi LaFleur, Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider and DuPage County Board Chairman Dan Cronin were all on hand for the ground breaking ceremony at Park and Thorndale Avenue in Itasca.  In addition, President and CEO of the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association (IRTBA) Michael Sturino, Financial Secretary of the DuPage County Building Trades Frank Furco and Executive Director of the Construction Industry Service Corporation (CISCO) Daniel Allen were in attendance to show their commitment to the Project, DuPage County, the Move Illinois Program and to celebrate the success of the collaborative efforts that made this monumental day possible.

The Elgin O’Hare Expressway will be the first all-electronic toll road in Illinois with 17 miles of new toll road and 15 new or improved interchanges. The Illinois Tollway says the project will enhance economic development and ease congestion near the existing I-290 and Thorndale Avenue interchange, saving drivers $145 million in time and fuel annually by 2040.  It is anticipated that the roadway will accommodate 120,000 vehicles per day.

The project is part of the Illinois Tollway’s 15-year $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future.

Some of the Overall Project Highlights relating to PowerForward DuPage Members are as follows:

  • Electronic Toll Collection Infrastructure, Cabling and Equipment Installation
  • CCTV
  • Roadway contracts currently being let will include the ITS underground infrastructure
  • The AET/ITS (Integration Contract) is expected in May 2014 (1-Year duration) and should include the cabling and equipment installation into previously installed underground infrastructure in coordination with ISTHA’s integrator
  • Roadway Lighting and Traffic Signals
  • 900,000 LF of fiber optic cable including redundancy
  • 65-Bridges
  • Contracts will be let from both ISTHA and IDOT