New Underpass and Creek Relocation
The US Route 14 Grade Separation at CN Railway includes a new underpass that moves Route 14 under the CN railroad. As part of the engineering on this project, a 1,700-foot reach of Flint Creek Tributary is being relocated. In addition to Civiltech’s Phase I Preliminary Engineering and Phase II Design Engineering, this project included an extensive Nature-based Solutions component.
Grade Separation for Improved Vehicular Mobility
The CN Railway acquired the EJ&E Railway in 2008 to serve as a bypass around Chicago. The rail line crosses three important arterial routes at grade within the Village of Barrington. To maintain and improve vehicular mobility and emergency response times, this project consists of a grade separation at US Route 14 under the CN railroad. To accomplish this, a 1,700-foot reach of the Flint Creek Tributary must be relocated.
A New Stream Design
The new stream design reintroduces a meander in the channel and implements in-stream structures including two cross vanes, five riffle runs, seven pools, and three shoreline revetments. Wetland, buffer, and riparian environments will be created, utilizing native seed, plug, and tree vegetation. The new stream design will correct eroding and collapsing shorelines, improve water quality, create aquatic and terrestrial habitat, and enhance the old Flint Creek Tributary channel.
Nature-based Solutions
The project proposes naturalized stormwater basins adjacent to the Barrington Public Library and pedestrian facilities on both sides of US Route 14, with a multi-use path connecting park district properties. These Nature-based Solutions create stream, wetland, buffer, and riparian environments, all of which will contribute to the Flint Creek Greenway and provide community natural area access in Barrington’s downtown area.
Right of Way and Permitting
The construction of the relocated Flint Creek Tributary requires the acquisition of several single-family houses. As a result, the NEPA/404 Merger Process was followed. Proposed improvements also involve the realignment of Lake Zurich Road at its intersection with U.S. Route 14. This realignment passes through Citizens Park which required Section 4(f ) processing. The creek relocation requires a Section 404/401 individual permit from USACE as well as a separate Water Quality Certificate from IEPA. The creek relocation also requires an IDNR Floodway Permit as well as a FEMA Letter of Map Revision.
This Project Incorporates the Following:
- Nature-based Solutions design considerations
- Highway grade separation
- Creek tributary relocation
- Design of in-stream structures
- Naturalized stormwater basins
- NEPA/404 Merger Process
- Section 4(f) processing
- IEPA Water Quality Certificate
- IDNR Floodway Permit
Scope of Services
- Preparation of Contract Plans, Specifications and Estimates
- Roadway and Highway Design
- Nature-based Solutions
- Stream Design
- Buffer and Riparian Environment Design
- Drainage and Utility Design
- Railroad Bridges
- Box Culvert Design
- 404/401 Individual Permit
- FEMA Letter of Map Revision
Funding
Federal (STP), State, Local, Railroad
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