The Draft EIS documents the need for long-term transportation solutions in the area surrounding O’Hare International Airport and assesses in detail the benefits and impacts of the EOWB project.

The public is invited to attend to review the Draft EIS, ask questions and share its views on the EOWB Project, its environmental impacts and proposed mitigation strategies.  Representatives from IDOT and the Illinois Tollway will be available to answer questions, and the public is encouraged to provide verbal or written testimony that will be included as part of the public record.

“The input we have been receiving from all of the key stakeholders has been critical to reaching this next important step to building the Elgin O’Hare West Bypass,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider. “This project is a priority of Governor Quinn’s administration for its ability to create jobs, promote economic development and improve transportation. We look forward to additional feedback from the public.”

“Thanks to the work of Governor Quinn’s Elgin O’Hare West Bypass Advisory Council, local communities, business leaders and regional planning and transportation experts reached consensus on the plan to fund and build this $3.4 billion project,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “Now, with the Illinois Tollway’s commitment to provide $3.1 billion, the start of this long-awaited project is in view.”

Last month, Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider and Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur signed the Draft EIS, a major milestone for the project. FHWA and FAA are also designated lead agencies for the project. The completion of the Draft EIS moves the project another step closer to construction.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is leading the effort to complete the EIS and receive a Record of Decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation by the end of 2012. Once the Record of Decision is in place, the Illinois Tollway can begin construction of the EOWB.

Last August, the Illinois Tollway Board of Directors adopted the 15-year, $12 billion capital program, Move Illinois: The Illinois Tollway Driving the Future, which commits $3.1 billion toward the $3.4 billion needed to begin building the EOWB as soon as 2013.

May 14, 2012, Deadline for Public Comments

Public comments on the Draft EIS will be accepted by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Illinois Tollway through May 14, 2012.  The Draft EIS and other materials will be available for review during the public hearing and are also available at municipal buildings and local public libraries located in the project area and on the EOWB Project website at www.elginohare-westbypass.org.

“General Equipment is excited about our appointment to be the Link-Belt dealer in Minnesota,” said Don Shilling, General Equipment’s president. “The synergy between the oil boom of western North Dakota and the migration of many Minnesota customers into that market will make crane sales and sharing of inventory between the two states not only wise but also very practical.”

Owner Paul Martin, along with his wife and son, will operate the new Pirtek franchise in Long Beach, California.

A new Pirtek franchise is scheduled to open in Long Beach, California, on February 20. The store, operated by owner Paul Martin and his family, will specialize in manufacturing replacement hydraulic hose assemblies at customer jobsites and will cater to walk-in customers.

Pirtek’s services will include three mobile service vans stocked with the tools needed to manufacture hose assemblies at jobsites, such as braided and spiral hose styles and standard and metric hose fittings and adapters as well as a high-capacity crimp machine with the capability to produce crimp hose assemblies from .25-inch to 1.25-inch diameters.

“We’ve already done some sales calls, and people are very interested in a nearby source for replacement hose assemblies,” Martin said.  “We’re in a great location on the corner of North Walnut Avenue and East 33rd Street in Signal Hill, which is a primarily industrial area, and we’re coming in at a great time.”

For information about Pirtek franchises, visit pirtekusa.com/franchise.asp.

Step 1: Understand Your Obligations Under Federal Regulations

• The 2009 MUTCD is the primary regulatory document mandating the use of high-visibility apparel for all affected workers on roadways in the U.S. and will cover all roads “open to public travel.”
• All workers within the right-of-way are required to wear high-visibility safety apparel that meets performance Class 2 or 3 of ANSI/ISEA 107-2004, or equivalent revisions.
  • For in-depth legislation updates review: MUTCD, OSHA General Duty Clause, OSHA Letter of Interpretation, #20080829-8611, which points to ANSI 107.
  • See special options for Law Enforcement, and Emergency Responders to comply with gear meeting  ANSI 207, and NFPA standards (such as NFPA1971).

Step 2: Complete a Risk Assessment for Each Job Function

• Determine the low-visibility hazards for each job description at your worksite, including the following:
  • Workzone Hazards:  Roadway traffic speeds, workers’ proximity to traffic and workzone equipment, task load.
  • Environment Background:  Time of day, seasons, weather, temperature exposure, equipment.
  • Additional Considerations:  Workplace exposure, garment appearance, laundry protocol.

Step 3:  Identify Garment Options for Each Job Function

• Based on risk assessment choose Class per ANSI 107- 2010 (or 2004).
• Choose apparel types such as jackets, rainwear, tee-shirts, or vests.
• Conduct an onsite visibility demonstration and/or wear test to confirm choices

Step 4:  Create Garment Specifications

• Prepare a specification that ensures that the garments you purchase comply with high visibility standards.
  • Specify certified product only.
  • Ensure the performance, color, sizing, customization, features, care guidelines, comfort, style and durability desired is received.

Step 5:  Implement Garment Program

• Implement garment program, issue garments to workers.
• Continuous education and training.
  • Importance of wearing garments in the workplace environment.
  • How to wear and maintain the garments, and when to replace.
• Repeat assessments as needed and adjust program as necessary

Click here to view a copy of the “Treated Salt Study” results, including observations on the use of pre-treated salt. The study results are in a downloadable PDF format.

The primary objectives of the research initiative, “Salt Brine, Salt Brine Blends And Application Technologies During the 2008-2009 Winter Maintenance Season” were to construct a salt brine facility, experiment with different combinations of salt brine and other ice melting additives, reduce the use of winter road sand while raising the level of service of state roads, and to determine if costs savings can be attributed to the use of salt brine and/or salt brine combinations.

The original scope of work included deploying three Stratos spreaders to conduct the experiment on control and experimental test sections on Interstate 89 in Districts 5 and 8. Due to equipment complications, the experiment was modified and included different roadway sections of similar length and characteristics in both districts.

Results have shown that the experimental section saved an average of 24 percent of material usage over the 2008-2009 winter season.

The presentation was given by Cargill at the American Public Works Association (APWA) & Pacific Northwest Snowfighters Snow Conference held in mid-April in Spokane, Wash.

It outlines the procedures set up by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and covers the factors considered in alternate bids, such as initial cost, construction time, and future costs. Also discussed are discount rates, performance periods, rehabilitation plans, salvage value, analysis periods, and more. Keys to a Successful Alternate Bidding Process is available as a free download from the economics area of the APA’s Web site at www.AsphaltRoads.org or by clicking on the link above for a downloadable PDF.

“There will never be sufficient funding to meet all the needs of the nation’s roadways. Therefore, it is important to optimize every dollar. This APA publication will help contractors and agencies alike as they develop their understanding of alternate bidding procedures,” says Jill Thomas of the Minnesota Asphalt Pavement Association, co-chair of the team that produced the document.

“When agencies look at alternate pavement materials, the needs of highway users are an important part of the equation. The advantages of asphalt – faster construction time and less disruption for the traveling public during rehabilitation – need to be considered,” she continues.. “Smooth, durable, safe, quiet asphalt pavements provide the best value for the traveling public, now and for years to come.”