Wacker Drive Reconstruction

CTE performed construction engineering services for the reconstruction of Chicago's historic Wacker Drive. The project consisted of the reconstruction of both the upper level viaduct and the lower level pavement section. The project was divided into three separate contracts. CTE was responsible for Contract A, which included Wacker Drive from Franklin Street on the west to State Street on the east.  As resident engineer, CTE had principal responsibility for insuring that the work complied with the intent of the plans and specifications and for resolving construction issues that resulted from unforeseen field conditions. The viaduct, originally constructed in 1926, was a two-way slab deck supported by caissons and columns. The new design was streamlined to reduce the deck section to provide more headroom for truck traffic on the lower level. In order to accomplish this, the thinner deck section was utilized with a post-tensioned reinforcing system and the lower level pavement was lowered by approximately one foot. The project was completed and opened well ahead of the planned schedule.