CATEGORY: Transportation

OWNER: Joliet Regional Port District

PROJECT FIRM: Primera Engineering, Ltd.

OTHER CONSULTANTS: Wang Engineering, Inc., Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc., NASHnal Soil Testing, American Surveying & Engineering, P.C.

DESCRIPTION: The Lewis University Airport (LOT) Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) Site Development project addressed the long-term need for the addition of a control tower and accompanying site development at the airport, including an access road to the tower, an adjacent parking lot, and the corresponding utilities required. As one of the busiest large corporate reliever airports in the metropolitan Chicago airport system and the only one without an ATCT, this development was essential in increasing operational efficiency and reinforcing safety to the highest standard. Thorough investigations, hefty groundwork, and considerable discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Illinois Division of Aeronautics, and community stakeholders were needed to source funding for the project. During this vital and challenging stage, Primera Engineers staff supported the airport in early funding initiatives and stakeholder identification and consultation. Once justification was validated by the FAA and funding resources were acquired, Primera staff assisted the airport in determining the best site and facilitated an environmental assessment, including approval by all FAA lines of business.