Veterans Drive – Phases I & II

Client

City of Pekin

 

Location

Pekin, Illinois

 

Services provided

Civil engineering

Surveying

 

Project overview

This bypass from Illinois Route 29 to Interstate 474 is part of the City of Pekin's (City) comprehensive planning since 1971. As the first segment of the project, the bypass required successful construction to maintain momentum for future projects.

 

Since the project planned new alignment through farmland and crop areas, the public involvement portion of the project was critical. The City selected STS to complete all engineering phases and to assist the City with cost estimates – a critical component since federal funds were capped and any costs beyond budget were to be paid by the City.

 

Approach

Public involvement during Phase I was key to the success of the project. STS held meetings during the study phase to address public concerns as land acquisition was completed. STS assisted with land acquisition by accompanying City representatives at meetings with landowners. The relationships established during the public meetings carried through to successful land acquisition of properties.

 

The project included permitting and design of a 10-foot by 12-foot box culvert and plan preparation for two miles of five-lane roadway. STS designed the southerly half using an urban typical section with curb and gutter, storm sewer, four-lane pavement and a turn lane. The northerly half was designed as a rural section with special ditches, four-lane pavement, shoulders and median pavement to be used as turn lanes.

 

The signalized intersection at Broadway required a full Intersection Design Study. The intersection at Allentown Road included relocation of the township road to accommodate the new intersection. STS also designed a storm sewer and a sanitary sewer extension to accommodate future development.

 

Client benefits

The project was completed within the overall budget and schedule established by the City. Although future construction of Veterans Drive will continue to complete the overall bypass, this first two-mile section provides additional access to the commercially developed east side of Pekin.