Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Illinois Tollway Board of Directors has approved more than $50 million in construction and professional engineering contracts during its March meeting, advancing infrastructure work while expanding opportunities for small and diverse firms.
Seven contracts were awarded, including three construction projects and four professional engineering services agreements. Approvals also include mentoring opportunities for four firms participating in construction management services contracts.
“The best way for small, disadvantaged and veteran firms learn the ropes and build their capabilities is working on the job with experienced mentors,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “What’s more, many firms benefitting from mentoring have not only gone on to be awarded prime contracts with the Tollway, but they also continued to participate in our Partnering for Growth program by mentoring other small firms.”
Awards include participation from 27 certified D/M/WBE firms and five certified veteran-owned firms. Participation commitments range from 15.76 per cent to 95 per cent for D/M/WBE firms, and from 2.05 per cent to six per cent for veteran-owned businesses.
The Tollway’s Partnering for Growth program helps disadvantaged, minority- and women-owned business enterprises (D/M/WBE) and veteran-owned small businesses (VOSB) build capacity and remain competitive. Since its launch, the program has executed 265 agreements, with nearly 60 firms advancing from protégé roles to prime contractors.
Construction contracts awarded in March include:
- $11.9 million contract to Civil Constructors Inc., Freeport, IL, for bridge rehabilitation on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) from Howland Creek to Illinois Route 26.
- $10.9 million contract to Foundation Mechanics, Chicago, IL, for bridge rehabilitation on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) from Illinois Route 26 to Steward Creek.
- $9.7 million contract to Meade Inc., Willowbrook, IL, for lighting repairs systemwide.
Professional engineering services contracts awarded in March include:
- $5.6 million contract to HR Green Inc., McHenry, IL, for construction management services for roadway, bridge and ramp reconstruction and widening on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) from St. Charles Road to North Avenue.
- $5 million contract to Gonzalez Companies, Belleville, IL, for construction management services upon request systemwide.
- $4.2 million contract to SQN Associates, Chicago, IL, for construction management services for asphalt overlay and pavement marking on the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) from I-55 to Cermak Road.
- $3 million contract to American Engineering Consultants Inc., Chicago, IL for construction management services upon request systemwide.
With the latest approvals, the Tollway has authorized more than $105.2 million in contracts so far in 2026, reflecting ongoing investment in infrastructure renewal and workforce development across the system.
