As part of the O’Hare Airport modernization program, a Kiewit-led joint venture was awarded a $149 million mass grading project to construct a new south field runway. The project scope consists primarily of grading, drainage and ductbank work to facilitate the ultimate expansion of the airport facilities.
The south basin excavation will be enclosed in a soil bentonite slurry wall and grouted cutoff wall. Major work items include 2.8 million cubic yards of excavation, 2.4 million cubic yards of embankment, five oil/water separators and a pump station. Other items of work include 70,000 lineal feet of drilled grout holes; 320,000 square feet of slurry cutoff wall; 46,600 square yards of six-inch and nine-inch articulated concrete block mat; 17,500 lineal feet of concrete pipe to 144 inches; and 17,000 lineal feet of ductbank ranging from four-way to 30-way.
The project is within the airfield operations area of Chicago O’Hare airport so special restrictions apply to all areas.