Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (GHA) was contracted by Avon Township to provide Phase I Preliminary Engineering services for the Nippersink Road Improvements project. This project aims to construct an 8-ft wide off-road path along Nippersink Road to connect the Millennium Trail to the existing Nippersink Forest Preserve trail crossing at School Drive, replace an existing 9.5 x 16-foot metal culvert at the Manitou Creek crossing, and to resurface the Nippersink Road pavement within the project limits.

GHA’s comprehensive scope of services included conducting topographic surveys and coordinating with federal, state, and local agencies throughout the project duration. This involved regular communication with Avon Township, the Village of Round Lake, IDOT, FHWA, and the Lake County Division of Transportation to ensure all design and environmental issues were addressed.

The project included coordination with utility agencies through the JULIE Design Stage process and the collection of historical data. Public input was a critical component, with GHA preparing and managing a Public Information Meeting and incorporating feedback into the Project Development Report (PDR).

Environmental studies conducted by GHA included field reviews for bat habitat, wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species coordination, a Section 4(f) de minimis evaluation, and archaeological and historic preservation consultations. Preliminary drainage and analysis were also performed in accordance with the Lake County Watershed Development Ordinance (WDO) and other relevant regulations.

GHA prepared preliminary engineering plans, typical sections, cross sections, a detailed hydraulic report, and a preliminary Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Cost (EOPC) for the improvements.

The successful completion of the Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the Nippersink Road Improvements project has laid the groundwork for future construction phases, enhancing the connectivity of the community’s transportation infrastructure.