“Fifty feet deep!” That’s the depth of the Touhy Avenue Resivoir at its lowest point. Here we stand overlooking a crucial piece of infrastructure designed to protect O’Hare Airport. This isn’t just a body of water; it’s a reservoir with a specific purpose.
The Touhy Avenue Resivoir was built to lower 100-year flood plain levels at O’Hare. Imagine the potential damage from flooding. This reservoir acts as a buffer preventing disaster. A spillway was constructed along the creek. It accommodates overflow ensuring the reservoir functions as intended.
The deep end of the Touhy Avenue Resivoir connects to another reservoir north of here. Think of it as a linked system working together. During construction soil was carefully analyzed. It was tested to identify suitable materials for the reservoir’s liner.
Experts estimated the quantity of clay that could be harvested for the liner. Onsite inspections ensured only the right soils were reused. This careful process guaranteed the reservoir’s integrity. Density verification was performed in the field. It ensured compliance with strict standards.
Concrete and reinforcing steel used for the spillway also underwent rigorous testing. Batch plant inspections were part of this process. Everything was checked. Nothing was left to chance.
The construction of the Touhy Avenue Resivoir was a complex undertaking. It required detailed planning and execution. Today, the area around the Touhy Avenue Resivoir is still developing. The construction of a new multi-span bridge that will carry I-490 over the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago’s Touhy Avenue Resivoir south of I-90.
Consider the massive coordination required for this. The Illinois Tollway worked with various agencies. These included the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Department of Aviation. Cook and DuPage counties and local municipalities were also involved.
Next time you’re near O’Hare take a moment to appreciate the Touhy Avenue Resivoir. It stands as a testament to engineering. It represents a commitment to safety and flood prevention. It is a silent guardian protecting a vital transportation hub.