Chicago O’Hare International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport launched the multibillion-dollar O’Hare Modernization Program (OMP) to reconfigure the airport’s intersecting runways into a more modern, parallel layout with the goal of substantially increasing capacity and reducing delays.

RS&H has been involved in projects associated with the OMP and the ongoing Capital Improvement Program (CIP) beginning with the development of a south airfield logistics plan to facilitate runway and taxiway construction, as well as earthwork storage for the new Runway 10C-28C. This involvement led to our design for the development of the site for the proposed south air traffic control tower to support the new Runway 10R-28L, as well as design services for a new remote transmitter/receiver to facilitate the commissioning of Runway 10R-28L.

RS&H also led a large design team for the western extension of Runway 9R-27L. The project provides six parallel runways that ultimately reduce delays to the National Airspace System (NAS). Two existing parallel Taxiways (G and H) were extended, and a third parallel Taxiway (J) was constructed south of the runway extension. In addition, four new north-south connector Taxiways (Z, MM, BB, T) were constructed on the 9R end and two new north-south connector Taxiways (PP, TT) were constructed on the 27L end. Extensive modifications to the Runway 9R-27L NAVAIDs include new Approach Lighting System with Sequenced Flashing Lights (ALSF-II), instrument landing system (ILS) for both the 9R and 27L approaches, relocation of existing glide slope and localizer facilities, and relocation of Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPI). The runway will be capable of accommodating Category II/III instrument landing procedures on both approaches. The runway is also equipped with a full Runway Status Lights (RWSL) system

Additionally, RS&H conducted the design for the rehabilitation of Runway 4R-22L as part of the CIP.  We also served on the team to design a new taxilane as part of a future air cargo facility in the northeast quadrant of the airport on the site of a former military base.