CME.05 – Strategic Intersections: Redefining Mobility with I-490 at Pratt Boulevard

• Jose Garcia Valdivia
• Christian Lemus
• Jonathan Miranda
• Noe Rivas Montiel
• Leonardo Tinoco Sosa, Hector Toledo

The Pratt Boulevard Interchange Project is an innovative move toward improving regional transportation connectivity close to the busy hub of O’Hare International Airport, the Illinois Tollway, and Primera Engineers initiative, Pratt Boulevard Interchange initiative. The goal was to strategically link Pratt Blvd. and Elmhurst Rd. with a novel road access point. Ideally positioned as a cornerstone of the regional transportation system, the project will not only help relieve traffic but also be crucial in establishing a smooth transition from the street traffic from the neighborhood to the I-490 (access to the tollway), which will change the way people move about the area. Under the direction of Primera Engineering, the project’s architectural complexities go much beyond standard road building. The conceptual vision for the Pratt Boulevard Interchange Project is to address the long-standing traffic issues on I-294 and I-90 through innovative design strategies. While the actual ramps and pathways are yet to be designed, the focus will be on seamless integration with existing infrastructure and rigorous compliance with regulatory standards. Given its proximity to O’Hare airport’s runways, the design approach will need to be meticulously planned, prioritizing safety, efficiency, and adherence to stringent aviation regulations. Although still in the planning stages, this approach aims to ensure the project’s environmental sustainability, reinforcing a commitment to safety and strict regulatory conformity. This strategic response to regional congestion is poised to be a dynamic solution, with detailed designs expected to reflect these core principles.