The Putnam County Highway Department reached out to Maurer-Stutz to discuss options for replacing their failing bridge on Bottom Road (CH 16) just east of the intersection with IL Rte 89. The bridge was originally constructed in 1950 and was in such poor condition that the trucks were no longer allowed to use the road. One of the first challenges on the project was to obtain funding assistance. Maurer-Stutz assisted the County with successfully applying for Major Bridge Funding from the FHWA. Putnam County officials and our engineering staff also recognized the poor geometry of the existing offset intersection of IL Rte 89 and the east and west legs of Bottom Road were contributing to unnecessary crashes. Working closely with the County and IDOT, we were able to obtain additional funding to study geometric improvements to the intersection as a part of the structure replacement process. The final solution included a channel realignment with a new structure relocated further back from adjacent IL Rte 89. Additional geometric improvements included realigning the east leg of Bottom Road to eliminate the offset intersection, as well as the addition of turn lanes on both the state highway and Bottom Road.

Design challenges that were expertly addressed by our staff included relocating the channel outside of the IDOT ROW, adding a channel drop structure, realigning the intersection, dealing with potential differential settlement issues, dealing with impacts to the tall backslope, removal and disposal of regulated substances and redesigning and permitting the proposed Spring Valley Boat Club sedimentation basin which conflicted with the proposed Bottom Road realignment.

When the 54-year-old existing three cell box culvert carrying Sheridan Road over Lick Creek in the City of Pekin, IL had deteriorated beyond its useful service life, the City began planning efforts to replace the structure. This roadway serves 1600 vehicles/day and provides access to the western portion of the City

Work included replacing the current culvert with a new corrugated structural plate arch. The open span prevents debris buildup as experienced with the previous structure. Due to stream undermining, the existing culvert was closed to traffic during construction.

Maurer-Stutz, Inc. provided engineering planning, design and construction engineering. The project included bridge type comparison, a complete topographic survey, Bridge Condition Report, Preliminary Bridge Design and Hydraulic Report, geotechnical investigation, bridge design and construction inspection.

The Phase I coordination was complicated because the current structure passes through a portion of Dirksen-McNaughton Woods Land and Water Reserve, owned by the Pekin Park District with easements held by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Aesthetics was also an important factor in the design in this wooded setting.

This roadway was the only means of access to the isolated Soangetaha Subdivision, Clubhouse, lake and golf course. The 100-year-old existing bridge had deteriorated well beyond its useful service life.  

Maurer-Stutz provided conceptual planning and engineering design. One of the major challenges included replacing the current bridge with a new bridge on a new horizontal and vertical alignment while keeping the existing bridge open to traffic. 

The project included bridge type comparison, a complete topographic survey, Bridge Condition Report, Preliminary Bridge Design and Hydraulic Report, geotechnical investigation, Project Development Report, bridge design and detailing, roadway design and development of construction staging.  

Multiple horizontal and vertical alignments were investigated to meet the requirements of the site. The design was influenced by the vertical geometry which was being dictated by the railroad requirements.  All planning and design was coordinated with and through the BNSF Railway.  Aesthetics was also an important factor in the design and a pedestrian walkway was also included on the structure.  

This project was unique because we completed all preliminary engineering (Ph I planning and Ph II design) in a 12 month period which is virtually unheard of in a project involving railroad coordination.  The experience of our design team in all phases of the engineering process resulted in this timely completion.

As a part of a larger Phase I Study and Phase II Design of the reconstruction of Allen Road (formerly IL Route 178), Maurer-Stutz planned and designed the reconstruction and widening of the bridge over the IL Route 6 Expressway in north Peoria. Work included widening and re-decking of the existing 3-lane, 3-span overpass bridge built in the late 70’s. The overpass was widened to 5 vehicle lanes and a barrier protected lane to accommodate a multi-use path. Engineering services included BCR, TS&L and structure design and detailing. Other structural work on this Allen Road Project included a lighted pedestrian tunnel for the Rock Island Trail State Park beneath Allen Road, several retaining walls and a major culvert replacement.