CLIENT

Village of Riverwoods

LOCATION​

Riverwoods, IL

PROJECT FEATURES
  • Total Roadway Resurfacing
  • Pedestrian-Friendly Shoulder
  • Extensive Drainage Work
  • Compensatory Storage
  • Section 4(f) De Minimis
  • Easement Coordination
  • IDOT-Funded Improvements
  • Federal & Local Permitting
SCOPE OF SERVICES
  • Topographic Survey
  • Phase I Engineering
  • Phase II Engineering
  • Stormwater Management
  • Wetland Delineation & Permitting
  • Public Engagement
  • Grant Coordination
  • Utility Design
  • Permitting
  • Stakeholder Coordination
  • Construction Documents / Final Engineering
  • Plats of Highway
COST

$3.2 Million

Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (GHA) has served as the Village Engineer for nearly 30 years. We are currently working with the Village of Riverwoods on the resurfacing and shoulder widening project for Saunders Road. The project aims to improve roadway conditions and includes the addition of a 4 ft paved pedestrian-friendly shoulder to enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

Phase I

Phase I of the project has been completed, which included a comprehensive topographic survey and initial roadway design. An important aspect of this phase was ensuring compliance with Section 4(f) de minimis requirements, aimed at minimizing the impact on public lands and recreational areas. GHA helped secure a floodway permit from the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (LCSMC) to address floodway management and drainage issues. Additionally, the project requires extensive drainage work and compensatory storage to manage stormwater effectively. These efforts are crucial for ensuring the project’s adherence to environmental and regulatory standards.

Following the completion of Phase I engineering, the Village of Riverwoods engaged GHA to complete Phase II engineering for the Saunders Road corridor between Riverwoods Road and Duffy Lane. This phase focuses on preparing final construction documents and advancing the project to IDOT letting, scheduled for 2025.

Phase II

GHA’s Phase II scope includes design refinement for resurfacing and shoulder widening to accommodate pedestrian and bicycle use. Final drainage improvements are being developed in coordination with the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission. In addition, GHA is coordinating with utility companies to manage potential design conflicts and submitting plans for review and permitting by IDOT, LCSMC, and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Right-of-way and easement needs identified in Phase I are being addressed through plats of highway and coordination with Santacruz Land Acquisitions to manage valuations and negotiation services on behalf of the Village. GHA is also managing the preparation of plans, special provisions, and cost estimates in accordance with IDOT standards, with submittals at 75%, 90%, and final stages.

The project has secured Surface Transportation Program (STP) funding through the Lake County Council of Mayors, and Phase II engineering efforts are aligned to meet federal aid requirements and support a successful 2025 construction letting.

The completion of this project is expected to significantly improve the usability Saunders Road, providing a sustainable and pedestrian-friendly solution for the Village of Riverwoods. By addressing both pedestrian safety and stormwater management, this project reflects GHA’s approach to delivering reliable infrastructure improvements that support the long-term goals of the communities we serve.

Whistler Woods Forest Preserve Study
Highland Park Fire Station No. 32