Clavey Road between US 41 and Green Bay Road

Ciorba provided design and construction engineering services for the reconstruction of Clavey Road from US 41 to Green Bay Road within the City of Highland Park. Construction was paid for with local, Lake County Council of Mayors STP-L, and STP-BR funds. The pavement was reconstructed due to its poor condition but remains a two-lane urban collector street. The roadway alignment was shifted two feet to the north to accommodate a new multi-use path within the south parkway, a distance of 5,400 feet. The path was designed to minimize tree removal while also meeting ADA and AASHTO standards for horizontal alignment. A single roadway and pedestrian bridge replaced the two existing structures over the Skokie River.

The new multi-use path and pedestrian bridge provide the citizens of Highland Park with a safe means of bicycle and pedestrian transportation, providing a significant added benefit to the necessary roadway reconstruction project.

Other improvements included a new water main, replacing and enhancing the storm sewer system, relocating the City fiber optic cable, lighting, modernized traffic signals at the US 41 ramps, and new traffic signals at the Green Bay Road intersection. Environmental concerns included minimizing impacts to wetlands for the new bridge over the Skokie River and identifying areas with special waste materials. A one-way detour was originally planned during construction, but first responders and residents objected to this option. Ciorba determined that two-way traffic could be maintained using temporary pavement and a temporary traffic signal at the bridge. This provided access for places of worship, single family housing, and recreational facilities. Ciorba also conducted extensive public involvement activities to present project challenges and alternate solutions to stakeholders for their review and input. The improvements to Clavey Road required an innovative design approach that included shifting the roadway alignment, construct temporary pavement, and breaking the project in two construction contracts due to available funding. The City of Highland Park and Ciorba were able to bring long term value to the residents who live within the project corridor as well as visitors to the Ravinia Festival or other local attractions. Aesthetic details and lighting along the corridor made this infrastructure more attractive and safer to all users.