Construction activity has continued since Route 14 reopened on its new temporary four-lane roadway at the end of October.
Over the past month, crews have completed the following work:
- Installed sheeting just east of IL 59 (Hough Street). This sheeting will allow crews to safely excavate the area needed for the new Route 14 culvert, a storm sewer that will carry the relocated Flint Creek beneath the roadway.
- Substantially completed the pump pit structure for the storm sewer pump station. Most of the surrounding area has been designed to drain naturally away from the Route 14 underpass. However, during rain events, the sloped roadway sections will channel water toward the lowest point of the underpass. Large storm sewers will capture this water and direct it underground to the pump station, located just east of Jiffy Lube. The pump station will collect water in the completed pit, pump it back to the surface level, and release it slowly into the relocated Flint Creek. This entire drainage system has been engineered to ensure positive drainage and has been reviewed and approved by the state, Department of Natural Resources, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
- Installed foundations for future noise walls around the project perimeter.
- Continued relocating utilities.
Weather and material availability permitting, the contractor plans to begin excavation and installation of the Route 14 culvert over the next month, along with continued construction of the pump station. As utility relocation progresses, the contractor will refine plans for early next year. Upcoming work is expected to include the following: preparation for retaining walls, additional utility installations, and construction of the railroad bridge structure.
To stay informed and receive project updates, please visit the dedicated project website us14underpass.com or watch for email notifications.
