Joe Robertson’s Post

🚧 Chicago Heavy Civil Construction Update 🚧 Chicago is buzzing with transformative infrastructure projects that are setting the stage for the city’s future. Here’s a quick roundup of some of the most impactful developments: O'Hare International Airport Expansion ✈️ A massive $8.5 billion project adding new #terminals, #runways, and facilities. This expansion aims to increase capacity, reduce delays, and solidify Chicago's role as a global travel hub. Chicago Riverwalk & Lakefront Development 🌊 Enhancing public spaces with expanded walkways, green areas, and improved trails. These upgrades are boosting tourism, recreation, and urban living in the city. Jane Byrne Interchange Reconstruction 🛣️ An $800 million overhaul to reduce congestion and improve safety at one of the busiest interchanges in the nation, easing traffic flow in the heart of Chicago. CREATE Program 🚂 A $4.6 billion initiative focused on improving #rail infrastructure, reducing congestion, and enhancing safety. This program ensures Chicago remains a key hub for freight and passenger rail. CTA Red Line Extension 🚇 A $2.3 billion project extending the #RedLine to the South Side, improving access to #transit, reducing commute times, and supporting economic growth in underserved neighbourhood's. Stormwater and Sewer Infrastructure Upgrades 🌧️ Major projects like the Deep #Tunnel are tackling flooding and #stormwater management, protecting homes and businesses from heavy rainfall. Lake Shore Drive Revitalization 🚗 Illinois Toll-way Projects 🛣️ Part of a $14 billion program to widen and rebuild major #tollways, accommodating increasing traffic volumes and improving overall system reliability. South Side Bridge Replacement Projects 🌉 Replacing aging #bridges over the Calumet River to ensure safe, reliable transportation routes, supporting local businesses and residents. These projects represent significant investments in Chicago’s future, enhancing the city’s infrastructure, connectivity, and resilience. 🚀 At Appleton Finn we have roles from Project Engineer through to C-Suite, if you or somebody is interested in making a change in the Chicagoland area. Please reach out to me on: 📞 (617) 366-1618 📨 Joe.robertson@appletonfinn.com #Infrastructure #Construction #Chicago #CivilEngineering #UrbanDevelopment #Transportation #PublicWorks #Vacancies #Hiring

🚧 New York Heavy Civil Construction Update 🚧 🛤️ Hudson Tunnel Project Gets Green Light After years of anticipation, the Hudson Tunnel Project is finally moving forward. The Federal Transit Administration has committed the remaining $6.88 billion needed, enabling construction to start this year. This $16 billion project aims to enhance the crucial rail link between New York and New Jersey, addressing long-standing transportation challenges 🌉 Major Bridge and Highway Improvements New York's infrastructure is seeing significant investments: The I-81 Viaduct Project in Syracuse has awarded a $313.5 million contract to CNY Alliance. This project is part of a broader effort to modernize the city's transportation network The Bronx River Bridge is set for a $417 million replacement, ensuring improved safety and efficiency for commuters on the Bronx River Parkway. A $23.7 million bridge replacement project is underway on the NYS Thruway in Ulster County, enhancing regional connectivity and safety 🌊 Staten Island Flood Risk Reduction The first phase of a massive $2 billion flood risk reduction project on Staten Island is kicking off. This initiative, led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, aims to mitigate the impact of severe weather and protect communities from flooding. 🚍 NYC Bus Terminal Overhaul The Port Authority has selected contractors for the first phase of a $10 billion project to replace the aging NYC Bus Terminal. This redevelopment will significantly improve commuter experiences and bolster transit infrastructure. 🌆 Affordable Housing and Community Grants New York continues to invest in its communities with a $500 million grant portal for areas surrounding Micron Technology’s planned semiconductor site. Additionally, $500 million has been announced for affordable housing initiatives across NYC, addressing critical housing needs. 🌱 Decarbonization and Environmental Projects A $100 million plan to decarbonize Empire State Plaza has been unveiled, reflecting New York's commitment to sustainability. Moreover, the state has allocated $400 million to the Environmental Protection Fund, supporting various green initiatives. 🏗️ Exciting Urban Developments Midtown Manhattan is witnessing a top-to-bottom redesign of 1155 Avenue of the Americas, transforming it into a premier office space with high-dollar leases. This renovation is a testament to the city's dynamic and evolving skyline. #ConstructionNews #NewYork #Infrastructure #CivilEngineering #UrbanDevelopment #Sustainability

Let's demystify some more infrastructure terms! Next up: Ｐｒｏｔｅｃｔｅｄ Ｉｎｔｅｒｓｅｃｔｉｏｎ 🚶♀️ 🚲 Protected intersections keep bike riders physically separate from motor vehicles all the way up until the intersection. They reduce the likelihood of high speed vehicle turns, make for safer conditions for people using the bikeway and the crosswalk, and also minimize the disruption of motor vehicle flow. Without protected intersections, bike lanes often "disappear" at intersections, forcing people on bikes to merge into mixed traffic. However, with the physical separation that protected intersections provide, confusion is reduced and traffic flows much better! Protected Intersections create more predictable movements, better visibility, and shorter, safer crossings for pedestrians - giving room for accessible pedestrian islands and benefiting people who use personal mobility devices. The example you see here is at Allegheny Circle in Pittsburgh's Northside. **Protected intersections are also a major part of East Liberty's Penn Circle two-way conversion project, which we'll post about again when it's complete.** It's also really important to know that infrastructure improvements like Protected Intersections aren't some random design element that PGH road engineers decided to throw into the mix to confuse you. Rather, they're one of many widespread tools used to help advance urban transportation planning. They are heavily researched, peer reviewed practices that have been implemented in cities building safe, comfortable urban streets that accommodate all road users. If you're interested in learning more on what that means, check out The National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO). 📕 Education is important for the success of these crucial safety measures. Do you know someone who is confused about infrastructure developments In Pittsburgh? Share this post with them! And seriously, we get it. Change can be hard. But if we are going to keep our citizens safe and and our city thriving, then we need to learn to grow and adapt together.

Protected Intersections are critical to building out an effective, safe, and accessible multimodal network. Learn more about them at the post below, and find out how you can help support transportation infrastructure that protects road users of all ages, abilities, and modalities.

🚧🛣️ $190M for Loop 340 Freeway Project in Bellmead 🛣️🚧 The cost of transforming Loop 340 into a freeway in Bellmead has doubled to $190 million since its 2018 announcement, due to a broader scope and rising construction costs. Originally estimated at $85 million, the project now includes four lanes, frontage roads, and overpasses, aimed at easing traffic congestion and promoting economic growth. Funding sources include $26 million from MPO, a $110 million federal grant application, and potential future commitments. With more funding available, a larger expansion project is underway. Expected benefits: reduced crashes (50 reported in 2023), improved drainage, and enhanced economic prospects for Bellmead and surrounding areas. Bellmead City Manager sees it as a vital long-term investment for the city's growth and development. 🌟 #Infrastructure #BellmeadExpansion https://lnkd.in/gcWCqPTy

𝗣𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗨𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗶𝗹𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗱 $𝟭𝟬𝗕 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗱𝘁𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗡𝗬𝗖 𝗕𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) has released a revised plan for a monumental $10 billion project to replace the world's busiest bus terminal in Midtown Manhattan. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀: 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙟𝙚𝙘𝙩 𝙎𝙘𝙤𝙥𝙚: ➖ New main terminal: A 2.1 million square foot facility featuring modern amenities like street-level retail, a multi-story indoor atrium, and new public open space. ➖ Separate storage and staging building: Dedicated area for efficient bus management and reduced congestion. ➖ Direct tunnel access: New ramps connecting directly to the Lincoln Tunnel for smoother bus flow. 𝙆𝙚𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣: ➖ Permanent closure of a portion of 41st Street: This aims to create a more pedestrian-friendly public space around the terminal. ➖ Centralized main entrance: Streamlined access and improved wayfinding for passengers. ➖Increased street-level retail: More vibrant street presence and potential economic benefits for the surrounding area. ➖ Focus on sustainability: Net-zero design, electric bus fleet integration, and sustainable construction practices. 𝘽𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙛𝙞𝙩𝙨: ➖ Improved passenger experience: Modern facilities, better amenities, and smoother travel experience. ➖ Reduced congestion: Dedicated bus storage and direct tunnel access for improved traffic flow. ➖ Economic development: Job creation during construction and potential boost for surrounding businesses. ➖ Sustainable infrastructure: Environmentally friendly design and commitment to net-zero emissions. 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙉𝙚𝙭𝙩 𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥𝙨: The public comment period is currently open, followed by public hearings. Final approval expected in 2024. Construction could begin as early as 2024, with completion anticipated in 2032. 𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨: ⏺️ Port Authority Press Release: [https://lnkd.in/egsWwfjc] ⏺️ CBS New York: [https://lnkd.in/e78PyTD7] #Construction #BuildingGreatTeamsTogether

🚧 Exciting News for Rochester, Minnesota! 🚧 The wheels are in motion for a transformative road project aimed at revamping the I-90 and Hwy. 52 interchange, enhancing safety, traffic flow, and connectivity. Starting this Monday, the journey begins with the critical first step - tree clearing - to pave the way for construction that promises minimal traffic interference. This meticulous plan unfolds over multiple seasons, commencing with tree clearing and, eventually, the addition of new ramps, loops, and overpass bridges starting in 2025. We're looking at a $38.4 million investment in our infrastructure, set to culminate in 2026 with the rebuilding of westbound bridges and more. For us locals, this means a smoother commute, a safer drive, and an invigorated economy bringing more opportunities to Rochester. As the project unfolds, let's brace for the short-term adjustments and stay focused on the long-term gains that await. Kudos to the teams involved in this vision! Our community is set to thrive with improved roads, leading to a better future for everyone in Rochester. #RochesterMN #Infrastructure #RoadsAndTransport #EconomicGrowth #CommunityDevelopment #SafetyFirst https://ayr.app/l/yQAj

Team selected to design new toll-free, eight-lane Massey tunnel The next stage of design for the new toll-free, eight-lane tunnel to replace the George Massey Tunnel will advance this summer with selection of the Fraser River Tunnel Project’s preferred proponent, Cross Fraser Partnership.  The new crossing will replace the George Massey Tunnel with a toll-free, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel that includes three general-purpose travel lanes and a dedicated public transit lane in each direction. The new tunnel will also feature a separate multi-use path to support walking, biking and other active transportation options. Building on the extensive design work already completed by the Province, the project now enters the development phase, which allows a transparent and collaborative approach to tunnel design, and agreement on project costs and risks between the Province and Cross Fraser Partnership. The final design and cost submission will culminate in a design-build agreement. The Cross Fraser Partnership team that will collaborate with the Province through the development phase is comprised of Bouygues Construction Canada Inc., Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Pomerleau BC Inc. and Arcadis Canada Inc. The environmental assessment continues in parallel with the development of the project design and early works with major construction starting in 2026. Read the full news release via https://lnkd.in/geG3rmV7 For information about the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, including a video that explains the Fraser River Tunnel Project and corridor improvements, visit: https://lnkd.in/g7Z9HvnZ Learn more about Infrastructure BC and the projects our team is supporting owners with via www.infrastructurebc.com #infrastructure #highwayinfrastructure #roadinfrastructure #projectplanning #projects #publicprojects #immersedtubetunnel #infrastructureinvestment #procurement #procurementleaders #communications #communicationsmanagement #infrastructurecommunications

Team selected to design new toll-free, eight-lane Massey tunnel The next stage of design for the new toll-free, eight-lane tunnel to replace the George Massey Tunnel will advance this summer with selection of the Fraser River Tunnel Project’s preferred proponent, Cross Fraser Partnership.  The new crossing will replace the George Massey Tunnel with a toll-free, eight-lane immersed tube tunnel that includes three general-purpose travel lanes and a dedicated public transit lane in each direction. The new tunnel will also feature a separate multi-use path to support walking, biking and other active transportation options. Building on the extensive design work already completed by the Province, the project now enters the development phase, which allows a transparent and collaborative approach to tunnel design, and agreement on project costs and risks between the Province and Cross Fraser Partnership. The final design and cost submission will culminate in a design-build agreement. The Cross Fraser Partnership team that will collaborate with the Province through the development phase is comprised of Bouygues Construction Canada Inc., Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas Canada Ltd., Pomerleau BC Inc. and Arcadis Canada Inc. The environmental assessment continues in parallel with the development of the project design and early works with major construction starting in 2026. Read the full news release via https://lnkd.in/gWZSzRFQ For information about the Highway 99 Tunnel Program, including a video that explains the Fraser River Tunnel Project and corridor improvements, visit: https://lnkd.in/gR2igWm4 Learn more about Infrastructure BC and the projects our team is supporting owners with via www.infrastructurebc.com #infrastructure #highwayinfrastructure #roadinfrastructure #projectplanning #projects #publicprojects #immersedtubetunnel #infrastructureinvestment #procurement #procurementleaders

Covington eyes start of infrastructure work at former IRS site this spring - The city is serving as the master developer for Covington Central Riverfront, a redevelopment of the 23-acre site of the former IRS tax-processing facility located just west of Madison Avenue and north of Fourth Street. The city has divided the property into a load of parcels, each with its own RFP. Covington recognizes its approach to Covington Central Riverfront is unique, West said. Between Cincinnati, Covington and Newport, there’s been three very different approaches to river city development when considering projects like the Banks, Covington Central Riverfront and Ovation. The approach is also unique in its form of incentives, West said. Rather than doling out incentive packages, the city will be building out the public infrastructure for the entire site. Developers will be purchasing their individual lots, but they won’t have to worry about items like street lights and gas lines, said Elizabeth Wetzel, Covington's director of special projects and inter-governmental affairs. The city hopes to start that process in the spring. It worked with architectural firm KZF Design on the engineering plans for site infrastructure. The IRS facility was decommissioned back in 2019, and the city bought the property in 2020. The building was demolished in 2022.  The city believes its approach to developing Covington Central Riverfront in individual parcels, along with a key infrastructure modification, will help incorporate the site into the city while creating a new neighborhood. Fourth Street will be reduced from three lanes to two, making way for a dedicated bike lane and wider, more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. https://lnkd.in/gW9uw8ez #cincinnati #nky #covintgon #irs #riverfront #development #rfp #ovation #kzfdesign #engineer #developer