Jacobs has been chosen by the Illinois Department of Transportation for two major projects aimed at modernising the I-290 Eisenhower Expressway corridor, one of the Chicago area’s most heavily used routes for commuters and freight.
Carrying more than 200,000 vehicles daily, the I‑290 serves as a vital connector between the western suburbs and downtown Chicago, as well as between south Cook County, O’Hare International Airport, and the I‑88 Technology Corridor.
The first project calls for the replacement of the Indiana Harbor Belt railroad bridge, a key structure supporting both local and freight transport.
The bridge work is expected to enable future widening of the corridor and alleviate chronic congestion along the expressway.
Jacobs will lead the design and project management for the replacement, applying advanced construction staging techniques aimed at minimising disruptions to traffic and freight operations.
The approach focuses on maintaining critical transport continuity and safeguarding utilities that run through the corridor while advancing a complex engineering programme.
In parallel, Jacobs will oversee and inspect the installation of a supplemental storm sewer system beneath sections of I‑290.
This element of the modernisation relies on tunnelling technology and specialist expertise in underground construction and quality assurance.
The upgrade forms a cornerstone of the expressway’s long-term resilience plan, improving stormwater capacity and reducing the risk of flooding during severe weather events.
Together, these projects represent a significant investment in strengthening mobility and environmental performance across one of Chicago’s busiest transport arteries.
Jacobs’ executive team has characterised the programme as an integrated infrastructure initiative that combines transportation planning, structural design, water engineering, and tunnelling innovation.
By applying a multidisciplinary approach, the company aims to enhance commuter and freight safety while improving overall traffic flow.
The initiatives are intended to support both short-term operational reliability and long-term regional sustainability.
The I‑290 corridor plays a critical role in Greater Chicago’s daily transport network, linking residential suburbs to major employment zones and distribution hubs.
Modernising its structures and utilities is seen as essential to maintaining economic momentum in a region that depends heavily on efficient freight movement and commuter access.
The improvements are aligned with broader IDOT goals of reducing travel time, improving roadway safety, and delivering environmental benefits through advanced drainage and design systems.
Jacobs has an extensive track record in infrastructure projects both in the United States and internationally.
In recent years, the company has contributed to the Red and Purple Line Modernisation effort in Chicago and the Dunkettle Interchange Upgrade in Ireland.
Operating globally across transportation, water, manufacturing, energy, environment, and life sciences, Jacobs generates approximately US$12 billion in annual revenue and employs nearly 47,000 people worldwide.
Through its latest engagement on the Eisenhower Expressway, Jacobs reinforces its role as a key partner in shaping resilient, connected urban infrastructure that supports communities and commerce across the Chicago metropolitan area.
