Jacobs Solutions Wins Complex I-290 Tunneling Work, Boosting Infrastructure Narrative

The contract highlights Jacobs' specialized capabilities in transportation, freight rail, and underground infrastructure projects.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:07am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a polished, chrome-plated model of a subway tunnel boring machine against a clean, monochromatic grey background, symbolizing the precision and engineering required for complex underground infrastructure projects.Jacobs Solutions' specialized expertise in tunneling and underground infrastructure is showcased through its win of the complex I-290 modernization project in Chicago.Chicago Today

In April 2026, the Illinois Department of Transportation selected Jacobs Solutions for two key projects to modernize the I-290 (Eisenhower Expressway) corridor near Chicago. The work includes design and project management for a railroad bridge replacement as well as oversight of a new supplemental storm sewer installed by tunneling beneath the highway.

Why it matters

This contract win reinforces Jacobs' role in long-term corridor resilience and congestion relief for more than 200,000 daily road users in the Chicago area. It also highlights the company's specialized capabilities in complex transportation, freight rail interfaces, and underground infrastructure projects - key strengths that support its broader infrastructure investment narrative.

The details

The I-290 modernization work includes two components: 1) design and project management for a critical railroad bridge replacement, and 2) oversight of a new supplemental storm sewer system installed by tunneling beneath the highway. This tunneling project in particular showcases Jacobs' expertise in complex underground infrastructure projects.

  • In April 2026, the Illinois Department of Transportation selected Jacobs Solutions for the I-290 modernization projects.
  • The railroad bridge replacement and storm sewer tunneling work is expected to take place over the next 2-3 years.

The players

Jacobs Solutions

A global professional services firm that provides a full spectrum of technical, professional, and construction services including consulting, engineering, and project delivery for the government and private sector.

Illinois Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Illinois' transportation infrastructure, including highways, bridges, and railways.

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What’s next

The railroad bridge replacement and storm sewer tunneling work is expected to take place over the next 2-3 years, providing Jacobs with a steady stream of revenue and an opportunity to showcase its infrastructure expertise.

The takeaway

Jacobs Solutions' win of the complex I-290 modernization projects, particularly the challenging tunneling work, reinforces the company's position as a leader in specialized transportation and underground infrastructure services. This contract supports Jacobs' broader investment narrative around its ability to deliver large, long-duration infrastructure projects while managing execution risks.