Foster Avenue Bridge Reconstruction

Co-authored by Pete Venere, IHC Project Manager & Bridget Grady, IHC Marketing Coordinator

History & Impact

The original Foster Avenue Bridge was constructed in 1958, making it more than 65 years old! The bridge carries Foster Avenue over the Kennedy Expressway (I-90) on Chicago's Northwest Side. Built during the development of Chicago's modern expressway system, the bridge has served as an important connection over one of the city's busiest transportation corridors for more than six decades. The replacement bridge is designed to accommodate a wider I-90, provide increased vertical clearance, and improve the surrounding bridge and ramp configuration. 

Timeline

November 2024 - December 2026

Project Scope

Foster Avenue Bridge reconstruction began in November 2024, with an anticipated substantial completion of December 2026.  The project includes full replacement of the bridge over I-
90/Kennedy Expressway, improved drainage, new ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps, and lighting. Throughout the project IHC Construction, subcontractors, and suppliers have performed a full removal of the existing structure, soil retention installation at the abutments for over 6,000 CY of excavation to build the footings, over 230 H-Pile were driven to support the footings at the abutments, twelve drilled shafts with depths over 60’ installed at the center pier to support it, over 2,300 cubic yards of reinforced concrete were placed at the abutments and center pier with formwork provided by USA Form.  All of this was followed by 13 spans of structural steel beams to support the bridge deck itself, spanning a length of 345’.  Additionally, substantial drainage improvements have been made along the Kennedy Expressway shoulders to help alleviate drainage issues from the landscaped right-of-way. 

Coordination efforts with IDOT have been essential to the success experienced so far.  Additionally, ongoing coordination with the CTA has been critical to the work performed and the upcoming phases of steel erection.   

Primary Involved Agencies

IRTBA Member Firms

Prime Contractor

Sub Contractors

Project Photos & Progress

Center Pier: The center pier is one of many components of the critical path for the Foster Avenue Bridge.  IHC was able to complete this pour with help from a long list of subcontractors and suppliers who all worked diligently day and night to hit the pour date.

Center Pier: The new center pier for the Foster Avenue Bridge is in close proximity to the outbound CTA Blueline.  Given the location, massive efforts were made by IHC, IDOT, and the CTA to construct this structure with as minimal impact as possible to highway traffic and CTA Rail Operations.

Center Pier: The Center Pier sits upon twelve 3’-6” diameter drilled shafts which were approximately 65’ in depth.  For the structure; over 86,000 lbs of reinforcement steel have been incorporated along with over 300 CY of concrete.  The scope began with drilled shafts on April 23rd and the center pier structure was poured by IHC on June 26th, 2026.

Demolition of the existing Foster Avenue Bridge, removing girders.