Water Main Relocation and Retaining Wall at UIC along Ramp ES

This retaining wall is under construction along the west side of I-90/94, south of Harrison Street, to accommodate future improvements to ramps from westbound and eastbound I-290/Ida B. Wells Drive to southbound I-90/94. Included within the work to allow the retaining wall to be constructed is the relocation of an existing 60-inch diameter City of Chicago combined sewer, and 48-inch diameter water main improvements being performed on City of Chicago water facilities. This work is anticipated to be complete by Fall 2019.

Water Main Relocation features include:

Relocation of City of Chicago 48” water main
Structural rehabilitation of four City of Chicago water mains below I-90/94
The retaining wall along UIC Student Recreation Facility allows successive projects to follow. The wall includes a noise abatement wall to shield UIC tennis and basketball courts from highway noise.
The UIC tennis courts will be rebuilt due to the water main and retaining wall construction

The primary limits of work include the area along the east side of the Student Recreation Facility, from north Polk Street to Harrison Street, and the area north of the Student Recreation Facility, east of Halsted Street. Additional work will take place in Des Plaines Street, south of Harrison Street, and Vernon Park Place, west of Des Plaines Street, as well as at the Cermak Pumping Station.

Lane closures, changes in traffic patterns, reductions in the speed limit and the presence of workers and equipment create an environment that demands drivers refrain from behavior that could create a distraction. The rules are very simple: See orange. Slow down. Save lives.

The Department appreciates your patience and understanding as we work to improve the multi-modal connections in your community. If you have questions or comments regarding construction activities, please submit via Contact Us. Sign-up on our email list to receive construction announcements.