Joliet, Illinois, is a key hub in the Chicago metropolitan area, located at the intersection of major highways and interstates. While this strategic position facilitates the movement of nearly $100 billion in goods, it also brings challenges like traffic congestion, environmental impacts, and safety concerns for local residents. The Houbolt Road Extension (HRE), developed by United Bridge Partners (UBP) in partnership with the City of Joliet, was created to address these issues.
Since its opening, the HRE bridge has streamlined truck routes and reduced local traffic congestion by providing direct access to I-80, cutting truck idle time by about 20,540 hours annually. This has resulted in savings of around $122,000 each year in fuel, mileage, and maintenance costs. Before the HRE, trucks from CenterPoint Intermodal Center faced long, congested routes, which the COVID-19 pandemic worsened. These conditions led to road damage, increased accident risks, and disrupted commutes as trucks were forced through residential areas.
To alleviate these problems, UBP, Joliet and Centerpoint created HRE to reroute large and hazardous loads away from the city center to designated highways and bypasses. The HRE bridge has been vital in this effort, providing a safe and efficient link for truck traffic, reducing accident risks, and minimizing road wear in residential areas.
Environmentally, the HRE bridge has cut CO2 emissions by 240.5 metric tons and NOx by 1.9 tons annually—equivalent to the carbon absorption of 817 acres of forests or the impact of 11,500 tree seedlings grown over ten years. As cities aim to reduce their carbon footprints, projects like the HRE show how infrastructure can support environmental goals.
The privately-financed Houbolt Road Extension bridge has significantly improved transportation efficiency, reduced environmental impacts, and enhanced safety in Joliet. As the city grows, the success of the HRE underscores the importance of investing in infrastructure that balances economic, environmental, and community needs.
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