Project of the Year: 2008
Cicero Ave Bridge
over the North Branch of the Chicago River
Location: Chicago, IL - Cicero Ave. north of Foster (approx. 5400N)
Approximate Value: >$100,000
Scope: Furnish and install fascia (skirt) panels on a new bridge.
Challenges: We were required to use the exact same ashlar stone formliner as used for the cast-in-place, but we were arched, not rectilinear. In order to keep the costs of the expensive formliner reasonable we had to carefully map out sequences of cutting and re-using pieces. Secondly we had to design connections. We refused to quote installation using the connections in the contract (see first photo) as the tolerances were so tight we could not be confident of properly aligning panels. Lastly, the erector had to figure out how to handle the panels so they'd both hang reasonably plumb and tuck under the bridge.
It all worked out beautifully. The erector's lifting jig worked great, the connection provided sufficient adjustment, and the way we covered up the connection points made it virtually invisible.
Architect:
General Contractor: Illinois Constructors Corp. Jim Carson (630) 232-7280