Dan Ryan getting thicker, wider
March 29, 2006
If you've been using the Dan Ryan Expy. lately, you've probably passed by those closed express lanes enough times to wonder what's being done over there.
When it was built in the early 1960s, the Dan Ryan was only designed to last 20 years.
The new design that work crews are laying out now features heftier layers of concrete, asphalt and gravel intended to give the refurbished expressway a life-span up to twice as long, state transportation officials say.
Another feature that should slow wear and tear is a thin liner below the gravel subbase that prevents moisture from seeping in and causing cracks.
If everything works like it's supposed to, the Dan Ryan won't need another makeover for at least 30 to 40 years.