We are open to new challenges, no matter the type of project or location. Working alongside Stalworth Underground, the Shoreline Improvements project at Northwestern University is a multi-phase effort designed to address erosion problems along the beachfront and upgrade the university’s existing support infrastructure. This includes a 130" ft extension to an existing jetty structure to protect the beach, the installation of temporary cofferdams and earth retention systems for replacing underground storm sewers that discharge directly into Lake Michigan, and the removal and replacement of a pedestrian bridge upgraded to support vehicle traffic, to name just a few of the enhancements being made.
The upgraded Pedestrian Bridge, a key feature of this project, improves access from the city of Evanston to Northwestern University’s shoreline via a lakefront bike and pedestrian path. This bridge directs emergency vehicle traffic to their new temporary stadium before the 2025 football season. In order for the new bridge to support the vehicle weight, we installed steel beam ‘H piles’ as deep foundations where the existing bridge abutments were located. These steel beams are driven over 70” ft into place using a hydraulic hammer mounted on a track crane. Once the piles and concrete abutments are installed, structural steel beams and precast panels are placed across the opening to create a bridge, and topped off with concrete to create fresh path the university’s shoreline and temporary football stadium.
