Municipal Engineering
Bleck offers a full complement of services to assist municipalities. We pride ourselves in providing cost effective solutions that all stakeholders can buy into as a project progresses.
Partnering with Municipalities
Our design philosophy is to meet and exceed the goals of our client while conforming to the guidelines of the reviewing regulatory agencies. We understand the unique challenges municipalities face, from budget constraints to public engagement, and we work collaboratively to deliver solutions that serve the community effectively.
With decades of experience working with municipalities across the North Shore and beyond, Bleck Engineering has built a reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget. We specialize in navigating complex regulatory environments, securing funding through various grant programs, and ensuring public support through transparent communication and community engagement.
Our Services
Comprehensive municipal engineering services tailored to your community's needs
Our Work
Showcasing municipal engineering projects that enhance community infrastructure
Featured Projects
Explore our municipal engineering work across diverse project types
Walden Ravine Stabilization
The City of Lake Forest identified a critical infrastructure issue when a headwall at the upstream end of the culvert beneath the Ringwood Road land bridge collapsed, obstructing water flow through Walden Ravine. In response, Bleck Engineering was retained to evaluate the structural stability of the ravine and conduct a comprehensive survey of both its upstream and downstream segments. The culvert, a brick structure over a century old, was in need of substantial rehabilitation. The project was approached through a multi-phase design process focused on restoring aging infrastructure, improving water quality within the ravine, and enhancing roadway safety. On the upstream side of the ravine, the design included the construction of a new concrete headwall and the restoration of approximately 130 linear feet of stream channel. This restoration incorporated hydraulic features such as rock riffles and stone step pools to moderate water flow, along with channel armoring using glacial and fluvial stone to control erosion. Toe protection was also provided, incorporating crevices designed to support amphibian habitat. Additionally, the ravine bottom was stabilized and revitalized through the use of native plantings to support long-term ecological health. To preserve the existing culvert, a spray-in-place pipe lining method was used to reinforce its structural integrity while minimizing disturbance to the surrounding environment. On the downstream side, a new storm sewer system was installed to effectively manage roadway drainage. This system included three separate drainage structures, each protected with glacial and fluvial stone to dissipate energy and prevent scour along the ravine slopes. Toe protection was further reinforced with the installation of gabion baskets and additional stone armoring, ensuring long-term slope stability. As part of the roadway improvements, approximately 300 feet of Ringwood Road was milled and resurfaced. A B6.12 combination curb and gutter system was installed along the land bridge to control stormwater runoff and reduce erosion along the ravine slopes. To improve vehicular safety, timber guardrails were placed along both sides of the roadway, addressing the steep 35-foot drop from the bridge to the ravine bed below. Following completion of the design, Bleck Engineering provided permitting assistance to the City of Lake Forest, coordinating with Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to secure all necessary regulatory approvals for the project.
Lake Forest Metra Station
Design-build services for station improvements, enhancing accessibility and commuter experience.
Village of Kenilworth 2023 Plan Phase I – Plan Review
The Village of Kenilworth, Illinois has experienced severe street and basement flooding, especially within the portion of the town served by a combined sewer system. After significant flooding in 2008, the Village embarked upon a path to identify and mitigate the causes of sewer surcharging and flooding. The initial study determined that the 1920's infrastructure system provides only 15 to 20% of the needed capacity. To address this problem, the Village moved forward with its "Green Streets" initiative. Cumberland, Roslyn Avenues and Melrose Road were selected as the first streets for improvement. The design includes 4,363-linear feet of porous asphalt streets, underground detention, porous turf parkways and a separate storm sewer system. A potential long term design component, which would maximize flood reduction benefits, includes a separate storm sewer outfall into Lake Michigan. The inclusion of the Green Infrastructure approach not only has typical environmental benefits such as increased infiltration and evaporation, which in turn reduces the volume of runoff and improves runoff quality, but is intended to provide sufficient BMPs to procure a permit from the IEPA for a separate storm sewer outfall into Lake Michigan. The overall project cost is approximately $6.5 million. Bleck assisted the Village with resident coordination, design selection, final design and construction implementation. The project was completed in Fall of 2016.
Recycled Waste Materials Transfer Station
After receiving feedback from citizens on how the city could increase their dedication to the environment and sustainability, the City of Lake Forest decided to expand their recycling services. This expansion required the need to make a new recycled waste materials transfer station on city property. The idea behind this transfer station is that existing city garbage trucks could be reused and solely dedicated to collecting recycled materials. The trucks would all dump the recycled material at one location where it would then be collected and moved into a tractor trailer. This reduces the carbon footprint of the operation by only having one truck leave the city limits instead of each collection vehicle. Bleck designed the station so that a front end loader could push the recycled material up a ramp and into a tractor trailer. The area was surrounded by netting to reduce the amount of debris leaving the area. The weigh scale for the trucks is powered by solar energy.
Ready to Start Your Municipal Project?
Contact us to discuss how our municipal engineering expertise can support your community's infrastructure needs.
Get in Touch