Project Overview

CBBEL was selected by the City of Lockport to improve a section of IL Route 7 that runs through the city. Route 7 was generally one lane in each direction, so to make safety and traffic flow improvements, alternatives were developed to widen the roadway to provide a continuous bi-directional center turn lane with improvements to the storm sewer and curb and gutter.

CBBEL completed a Phase I Engineering study – which included traffic analysis, topographic survey, environmental analysis, a local drainage study and proposed improvement plans – as well as Phase II design. CBBEL also provided Phase III engineering services for the widening of IL Route 7, including full reconstruction of about 1,450 feet of pavement to improve a superelevated curve, along with widening and resurfacing of roughly 2,650 feet. Improvements added a bi-directional center turn lane to support safer access to businesses and side streets, installed Pace bus stop bump-outs, upgraded ADA access and sidewalks, and replaced the traffic signal at IL 7/7th Street.

Utility coordination was extensive and included AT&T, Nicor, Verizon, and ComEd. Work also included installation of approximately 5,000 feet of 12-inch ductile iron water main to replace aging six-inch pipes and improve fire flows, plus a pressure-reducing valve at Summit Drive to regulate water pressure zones. Stormwater improvements included replacement of an 84-foot 5’x5’ box culvert under IL 7, a 254-foot dual 7’x4’ box culvert ditch enclosure, and approximately 4,170 feet of new storm sewer.