Runway 10C-28C & Associated Taxiways

Milhouse was a partner in the O’Hare Airfield Engineers (OAE) joint venture on the design of Runway 10C-28C and Associated Taxiways at O’Hare International Airport. The project included a new 10,800-ft. x 200-ft., Group VI runway and associated taxiways, a new airport service road, two new cargo aprons, the extension of the south cargo tunnel under the new runway, and numerous enabling projects.  The design and construction of this project involved numerous runway/taxiway bid packages; relocation (temporary and permanent) of a major waterway, railroad, and roadway; relocation of  two  cargo facilities, and relocation of Lake O’Hare.

Runway 10C-28C is O’Hare Airport’s first Group VI runway, and its completion allows air traffic to operate primarily in an east-west configuration. As an OAE joint venture partner, Milhouse’s scope included all aspects of utility infrastructure associated with the proposed runway, taxiways, and surrounding areas. Utility scope items included review and validation of existing conditions, identification of proposed conflicts, and design of proposed and relocated infrastructure.

Milhouse was responsible for the design of the following items:

• 45,000  linear feet (LF) of ductbanks (common electrical ductbank, ComEd, FAA, and AT&T)
• 3,000 LF of sanitary sewer main
• 8,500 LF of water main
• 2,600 LF of storm sewer
• 5,000 LF of jacked steel casing
• Cathodic protection, utility structures, and equipment associated with this infrastructure, including three above ground backflow preventers in heated enclosures and ComEd equipment.

Milhouse was also involved with Construction Phase Services for this project by maintaining an on-site presence at the client’s office for the majority of the project. Services provided during construction included attending weekly coordination meetings, reviewing contractor shop drawings, and responding to construction requests for information. During the construction phase, Milhouse coordinated extensively with the Chicago Department of Aviation, FAA, and project/airport stakeholders to  accommodate the dynamic conditions typically encountered at O’Hare Airport. Additionally, during two of the bid packages, significant coordination was required with the O’Hare Fuel Committee regarding its concurrent project to relocate the FedEx cargo apron fuel line.