I-39/U.S. 20 Diverging Diamond Interchange Reconstruction

The Interstate 39 (I-39) Corridor Reconstruction & Capacity Expansion project is a significant infrastructure undertaking in Winnebago County, Northern Illinois, covering areas south and east of Rockford and Cherry Valley. This project spans the extensive stretch of I-39 from Normal, Illinois to Wausau, Wisconsin, totaling over 300 miles. I-39 is a critical transportation route that connects diverse communities, industries, and travelers across the region.

The primary goals of this project are to enhance the capacity and safety of this essential corridor to meet both current and future transportation needs. The I-39 reconstruction project has greatly benefited from the integration of drone workflows, improving efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration. The use of Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) drone technology for survey-grade data captures high precision, reducing the time and labor required for traditional ground surveys. This rapid data collection allows project managers to make informed decisions quickly, keeping the project on schedule and within budget.

Centralizing all geospatial data into a cloud platform has transformed data sharing and collaboration among stakeholders. Teams can access up-to-date information from anywhere, promoting transparency and seamless communication. Interactive 3D maps enable virtual walkthroughs, helping engineers and project managers identify and address potential issues early.

This centralized repository simplifies documentation, ensuring everyone works from the same accurate, real-time data. Regular drone flights at each project stage enable continuous QA/QC (Quality Assurance/Quality Control) of the site models. Frequent updates help identify and address deviations from the planned construction promptly, preventing costly rework and delays. Up-to-date site models ensure a high standard of quality throughout the project, allowing ongoing monitoring and verification against design specifications.