Location: Elgin, Illinois

Award: Infrastructure

Project Team

Owner: Illinois DOT

Contractor: Plote Construction Inc

Concrete: Elmhurst Chicago Stone

Slag Cement: Skyway Cement Company

Located in Elgin, Illinois, the McLean Boulevard project is a major infrastructure upgrade designed to transform a two-lane road into a safer, more efficient four-lane corridor. This project didn't just add lanes; it introduced a landscaped median to reduce traffic conflict points and a ten-foot wide shared-use path that connects local residents to the regional trail system.

To keep this high-traffic corridor moving during construction, the team utilized a specialized slag cement mix for everything from low-slump mainline paving and machine-formed curbs to sidewalks and driveways. Slag cement was specifically selected for its superior workability at low slumps, providing a consistent mix that allowed the crew to execute three back-to-back pours exceeding 1,100 cubic yards each.

One of the most impressive results of using slag cement on this project was the accelerated timeline. While the design requirement called for 3,500 psi at 14 days, the slag-enhanced mix met or exceeded that strength in a fraction of the time. This early-age strength gain allowed the team to open the pavement to traffic in just two to three days.

By choosing slag cement, the McLean Boulevard project achieved a rare trifecta: high-volume consistency, rapid strength gain for early access, and a durable finish that will serve the community for decades to come.

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