From IDOT Award Presentation: “Chastain was selected for the design for the reconstruction of approximately 1 mile of I-74 in East Peoria from the Illinois River to the TP&W Railroad. This project consisted of the removal and redesign of eastbound and westbound I-74 as well as the Riverfront Drive Interchange. The effective traffic management and construction staging developed by Chastain provided access to the many commercial establishments throughout the construction and kept the project on schedule. Chastain also addressed the unique soil conditions by developing, in conjunction with a geotechnical firm and the University of Illinois, a wick drain system to alleviate pore pressures during surcharge loading and to determine the pile skin friction for each structure in order to address the 6 to 44 inches of anticipated settlement. These procedures were conducive to the project staying on schedule. The firm also addressed the wetland and floodplain environmental concern by designing an earthen retaining wall with a cast in place facing along the ramp to eliminate any encroachment on the environmentally sensitive area. Even with the difficult soil problems, environmental issues and high visibility of this project, Homer L. Chastain’s proactive and professional staff was able to complete the project on time and within budget.”