CHICAGO, IL - The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority has awarded a contract to WSP USA to serve as the agency's independent consulting engineer for engineering projects associated with the Illinois Tollway.

Under the 54-month contract, WSP will work on a number of current and future tollway projects planned by the Authority. These include the 22-mile Tri-State Tollway Expansion, set to begin design in 2018, the ongoing design and construction of the Elgin O'Hare Western Access Project, and other projects included in the Move Illinois Capital Program.

"We are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with the Toll Authority on its critical infrastructure rehabilitation projects," said John Trotta, Senior Vice President and National Director of Client Services. "WSP looks forward to supporting the agency's capital program over the next four and one-half years."

WSP will be responsible for multiple tasks including environmental reviews and assistance, plan reviews, project management, drainage and structural engineering support, and manual reviews and updates. Additional technical services will include review of overweight permits, project control support and construction audits. WSP will also oversee annual inspections of the tollway system and facilities and provide an annual report of the major accomplishments, state of repair, and plans for upcoming work.

WSP USA has an extensive portfolio of buildings and transportation infrastructure projects in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is currently serving as construction manager for the $8 billion O'Hare Modernization Program, and has contributed to the recent rehabilitation of the city's Red Line and Blue Line transit lines, as well as the reconstruction of the Wells Street Bridge. The firm has also contributed structural engineering services for OneEleven, the Hyatt Center, Wolf Point West Tower, and the Old Chicago Post Office.