Wabash Avenue Underbridge Connection and Riverwalk, Chicago, IL
Overview
This Chicago Department of Transportation project is the longest phase let to date of the Chicago Riverwalk. The project limits extend from State Street Bridge past Wabash Avenue Bridge towards Michigan Avenue. This project interfaces with the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial, another CDOT project built by Rausch Construction Forces in 2005. Work includes demolition of adjacent landscaping, sidewalks, sheet pile caps and lighting to prepare for the new riverwalk. New construction consists of sheet piling, hardscape, landscape, underground utilities and lighting improvements.
project details
Through our dedicated team of experienced project executives, project managers, project engineers and superintendents, Rausch is able to self-perform a large portion of the work, while maintaining a critical schedule. Rausch self-performed all sheet piling work, rebar, sewer lines, installation of formwork, and place and finish of concrete.
Architectural finishes include granite benches, limestone wall cladding, new metal handrails, and extensive landscape work. A galvanized steel canopy structure with lighting will provide a protective covering for pedestrians as they cross under the bridge.
With every project comes unique challenges. For the extension of the riverwalk, one of these challenges is tying into the existing structures. This is structurally challenging, as the new sheet pile wall needs to anchor into the existing wakefield timber walls or the existing concrete. Aesthetically, Rausch needs to ensure that the new finishes match the existing area. The project’s river location and adjacent site limitation require that a majority of the work is performed from barges. Rausch is conscientious of river traffic and is taking precautions to minimize the impact on the river.
- timeframe
- October 2008 – August 2009
- budget
- 9.5 Million
- disciplines
- Marine Construction, Heavy/Civil Construction






