Bringing a major public works vision to life through careful planning, design, and coordination

Elgin-O'Hare Western Access (EOWA) Corridor

Creating improved access to O’Hare International Airport goes beyond the planning and construction of new ramps and overpasses. It involves complex coordination with many different governmental, transportation industry, and design engineer parties. In addition to providing transportation engineering and design services, we’re helping manage communication and planning efforts between Union Pacific Railroad, CPKC, the Chicago Department of Aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Illinois Tollway Authority, and more.

The Elgin-O'Hare Western Access (EOWA) project promises to improve connectivity for the airline and cargo freight industries while also dramatically reducing traffic on local roads during rush hour. The new alignment also aims to alleviate congestion from the northwest suburban communities traveling to Interstate-294 (I-294) from I-90 by bypassing the existing access point in both directions as well as a restricted section of I-294 over the Bensenville yard.

When complete, the overall project is expected to save drivers $145 million in time and fuel annually by 2040. The Illinois Tollway Authority also estimates reduced delays by 24 percent on local roads, helping to bolster local economies and cementing Chicago as a major transportation and distribution hub.