I-25-2021 Tri-St Twy I-294 Noise Abatement Wall Const at Archer Ave And 71st Place MP17.6 And MP23.0

The State of Illinois, through the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority, awarded a construction contract valued at $2.36 million to Rausch Infrastructure, LLC on August 4, 2026, under open market competitive sealed bidding procedures. The contract (I-25-2021) encompasses construction of ground-mounted noise abatement walls on the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) in Cook County, Illinois, specifically at mile posts 17.6 (Archer Avenue) and 23.0 (71st Place). The scope of work includes noise wall blocking assembly installation, staining of moment slabs, parapets, and retaining walls, erosion and sediment control, landscape work, and maintenance of traffic operations. The contract period extends from August 17, 2026, through May 15, 2028, with substantial completion targeted for April 15, 2027.

The contract was classified as a Small Business Initiative Tier 2 procurement, restricting bidding eligibility to small businesses registered in the Illinois Procurement Gateway. Rausch Infrastructure, LLC submitted the lowest responsive and responsible bid among four competing propositions. The contract is subject to prevailing wage requirements under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act and requires the prime contractor to self-perform a minimum of 40 percent of the total award using only Small Business Initiative-registered subcontractors. The contract includes Business Enterprise Program participation goals of 31 percent for disadvantaged business enterprises and 3.03 percent for veteran-owned small businesses, with mandatory Rolling Owner Controlled Insurance Program coverage providing $25 million in general liability protection.