Kiewit McCook Tunnel System

Specialty Consulting, Inc. (SPC) was entrusted with a critical role in the construction of the Main Tunnel System (MTS), a pivotal component of Chicago's Tunnel and Reservoir Plan (TARP) aimed at enhancing the city's water management infrastructure. Specifically, SPC's mandate included conducting comprehensive safety evaluation surveys and providing ongoing safety consulting services throughout the project.

The project centered on constructing a 1,600-foot-long, 33-foot inside-diameter tunnel connecting the Mainstream Tunnel to the McCook Reservoir at approximately 300 feet. SPC's responsibilities encompassed deploying safety auditors to various job sites across northern Illinois. Two full-time auditors were assigned in the 2016 construction season, increasing to six for the 2017 season.

The safety auditors played a crucial role in ensuring compliance with safety standards and enhancing fieldwork performance by monitoring activities and employee behavior. Their oversight extended across all aspects of field operations, including personal safety, ergonomic tasks, equipment handling, and more. SPC's approach emphasized instilling a safety and quality culture among project teams, fostering personal responsibility and adherence to established policies and procedures.

Challenges included maintaining rigorous safety standards in complex and hazardous construction environments, which were met through proactive monitoring, training, and continual reinforcement of safety protocols. SPC's efforts contributed to the successful and safe execution of the MTS project, exemplifying their commitment to excellence in safety consulting within large-scale infrastructure development.