Western Springs Undercrossing

Jacobs Associates provided engineering design of two below-grade bicycle/pedestrian structures constructed under the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) commuter rail line in Western Springs, Illinois. The below-grade structures connect the north and south ends of the Village of Western Springs with integrated bicycle and pedestrian pathways. These structures afford a safer passage across the BNSF railroad, especially for the commuters and schoolchildren who cross the tracks daily. Construction of the East Crossing employed the top-down method: installing the bridge deck from the tracks first, then excavating the tunnel through the native soils and fill embankment materials. The final structure measures 12 feet wide, 10 feet high, and 48 feet long (3.7 m x 3 m x 14.6 m).

Jacobs Associates provided these underground engineering and excavation support design services as part of a multiple-firm design team. We furnished 3-D renderings and Phase I design details for public outreach to the Village. We worked in tandem with the Village and the BNSF to establish design criteria. Additionally, Jacobs Associates supported James J. Benes and Associates in developing detailed designs, cost estimates, and contract documents that required Illinois Department of Transportation and BNSF approval. Cooperation among the various stakeholders was exceptional.