Sustainability in Action The Environmental Considerations Behind the Road Extension in Illinois
                     SUSTAINABILITY 
IN ACTION: THE 
ENVIRONMENTAL 
CONSIDERATIONS 
BEHIND THE ROAD 
EXTENSION IN 
ILLINOIS 
OVERVIEW
The Road Extension in Illinois, known as the Houbolt Road Extension, represents a 
forward-thinking collaboration between CenterPoint Properties and United Bridge 
Partners under the joint venture Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC (HRE-JV). This 
section of infrastructure showcases how large-scale transport development can 
align with environmental stewardship. 
BRIDGING PROGRESS AND 
PRESERVATION 
As a privately funded Road Extension in Illinois, this project was designed to 
improve connectivity between Interstate 80 and the CenterPoint Intermodal 
Center, North America’s largest inland port. Importantly, the Houbolt Road 
Extension aims to reduce environmental impact by cutting vehicle emissions—
especially from heavy-duty trucks idling in local areas—that used to congest 
surrounding roads such as Route 53
ENGINEERING TOWARD ECO-
EFFICIENCY
The Houbolt Road Extension also exemplifies smart environmental design. Utilizing 
durable, eco-
friendly materials—including high-performance concrete—the roadway and bridge 
are built for
long-term sustainability with reduced maintenance demands Additionally, the route 
traverses
the Des Plaines River, and its design incorporates sensitive habitat protection while 
allowing for
a pedestrian and bicycle path, supporting multi-modal access and recreational use
A MODEL OF PRIVATE-PUBLIC 
PARTNERSHIP
The Houbolt Road Extension JV, LLC, a collaboration between CenterPoint 
Properties (developer of industrial and logistics infrastructure) and United Bridge 
Partners (a private infrastructure firm specializing in toll bridges), financed, 
designed, and now operates this all-electronic toll extension
ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNING AND 
COMMUNITY BENEFIT
Environmental considerations were integral from the earliest phases. The project 
team engaged environmental consulting firms as early as 2016 for regulatory 
permitting and impact assessments, ensuring that wildlife, water quality, and 
regional ecosystems were carefully accounted for throughout planning and 
construction
PROJECT TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS
2016–2017: Environmental permitting, feasibility studies, and U.S. Coast Guard 
approval 
Houbolt Road Extension
2020–2021: Secured 99-year lease and began construction, with engineering 
and contracting by
Granite/Kraemer JV and Burns & McDonnell 
April 27, 2023: Official opening of the Road Extension in Illinois, including 1.5 
miles of roadway and a 0.4-mile bridge over the Des Plaines River
THE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY OF 
THE ROAD EXTENSION IN ILLINOIS
In essence, the Houbolt Road Extension showcases how infrastructure can be 
developed with environmental consciousness woven into design, materials, and 
long-term operation. From reducing emissions and congestion to safeguarding 
ecosystems and improving community safety, it stands as a model of sustainable 
infrastructure.
THANK YOU 
CONTACT US 815.974.6135 info@houboltroadextension. www.houboltroadextension.ccom om