December 6, 2021

O'Hare's Runway 9L-27R kicks off the top 40 portion of our Top 100 projects countdown.

As a managing partner of O'Hare Runway Designers, LLC (ORD, LLC), Epstein provided lead engineering design services for Runway 9L-27R, the first of the new runways of the O'Hare Modernization Program and the first at ORD in over 30 years. Runway 9L-27R is a new 7,500-foot-long, 150-foot-wide, Group V-capable Cat II/III runway and opened on November 20, 2008. The project included: a partial-length parallel taxiway and associated high-speed exits, runway and taxiway lighting, a runway and taxiway underdrain system, pavement markings, NAVAIDS systems, north airfield drainage, utilities and communication, and electrical ductbanks. This project was executed while ORD remained at full operation.

Epstein was responsible for project management, conceptual design validation, design of mass grading, drainage erosion control, utilities and paving, cost estimating, QA/QC, and construction support. Epstein also provided coordination with the Department of Aviation, O’Hare Modernization Program, Federal Aviation Administration, and Transportation Security Administration as well as design teams responsible for other enabling projects at the airport.

Epstein’s civil engineers also prepared plans, profiles, details and specifications for the installation of over 4,300 L.F. of new ductile iron watermain pipe (12” – 24” Dia.) as part the 9L-27R runway project. This watermain serves the north airfield including cargo, guard post and fire protection facilities.

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The watermain system included tapping sleeves and valves for pressure connections, sectional and air release valves, fire hydrants, service connections and steel casing protection for installations below runways, taxiways and creeks. A cathodic protection system was installed to neutralize corrosion of the ductile iron pipe material.

In addition, Epstein’s civil engineers also prepared plans, profiles, details and specifications for the installation of over 20,000 L.F. of new ductbanks for electrical and fiber optic cables which provided communication, electrical and NAVAIDS services to the North Airfield. Each ductbank contained up to 24 - 4” conduits.