New fly-under ramp opens, connecting Tri-State Tollway I-294 to westbound I-290
Hillside, Illinois - The Walsh Construction team gathers at the new Illinois Tollway fly-under ramp carrying northbound Tri-State Tollway (I-294) traffic to westbound I-290; part of the I-290/I-88 Interchange at I-294 Project. The new ramp replaces a 20-miles-per-hour loop ramp. The fly-under ramp will improve traffic flow, reduce delays, improve safety at the interchange and accommodate the reconstruction and widening on I-294.
Opening of this new fly-under ramp is a critical piece of our work to reconfigure and improve travel through the entire I-290/I-88 Interchange on the Tri-State Tollway. Until now, cars and trucks have had to dramatically reduce speed to safely navigate the old, single lane and tightly curved ramp to reach I-290, and this new ramp will ultimately reduce travel times from 10 minutes to 3 minutes for traffic traveling between I-294 and I-290. - Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse
Operator Lena "Teaspoon" Turek is moving ground and breaking barriers
Chicago, Illinois - On the job site, everyone calls her “Teaspoon.” At 24 years old, Lena Turek is operating some of the heaviest equipment on the highway. She can run a bulldozer, excavator, skid steer, roller, compacter, and telehandler; machines that move earth, shape roadways, and build the infrastructure we all rely on. Her interest started young, encouraged by her father who always told her, “There needs to be more girls out there.” So, she stepped in, and never looked back. Today, as a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 150 and an operator with Walsh Construction, Lena is running the equipment and also leading safety sessions and women-in-leadership workshops. She’s helping lead the way for more women to step into heavy equipment roles, and she knows her presence matters, especially to the little girls who wave from car windows as they see Lena in the dozer. “It’s incredible to be able to inspire,” she says. “I just love this so much.”
Walsh Construction approved to finalize design and start construction of the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo
Agoura Hills, California – Walsh Construction is pleased to announce that the Las Virgenes–Triunfo Joint Powers Authority (JPA) has unanimously approved a contract amendment officially authorizing Walsh Construction to begin the progressive design-build construction phase of the Pure Water Project Las Virgenes–Triunfo, a transformational investment that will provide a local, drought-resilient drinking water supply for communities across the region. Under the approved $303.7 million contract, Walsh Construction will deliver the final design, construction, and commissioning of a new Advanced Water Purification Facility and major pipeline components, representing the JPA’s largest infrastructure investment to date. Once operational, the project will provide up to 30% of the region’s drinking water from a local source, eliminate recycled water discharge to Malibu Creek, reduce reliance on imported supplies, and strengthen long-term water reliability.
The Walsh Group celebrates Quality Week
Project teams across The Walsh Group celebrated Quality Week (November 3-7) and commemorated the legacy of holding our building, transportation, and water projects to the highest standards of excellence. We raised quality awareness, showcased the care and pride in their work, and highlighted the strong synergy between safety and quality. This Quality Week, we celebrated the people who bring Plan. Build. Deliver. to life every day. Quality doesn’t just happen, it’s the result of thoughtful planning, strong coordination, and pride in every detail of the work. Across our jobsites, our teams are reviewing plans, checking the details, and supporting one another to make sure every step is done right, the first time. Their pride in doing the job with care and craftsmanship is what shapes our legacy and elevates the projects we deliver for our customers.
Walsh Federal tops out new weapons generation facility at Malmstrom Air Force Base
Malstrom AFB, Montana - Walsh Federal joined our partners at Malmstrom Air Force Base to celebrate the topping out of a new weapons generation facility. Team members gathered to mark the final concrete pour, recognizing the craftsmanship and dedication that continues to drive this project forward. Walsh's National Building Group Vice President William Barsella spoke at the event and highlighted the completion of the project's structural construction phase. This facility is part of a $1 billion WGF program designed to streamline support functions for Air Force Global Strike assets and will replace facilities built in the 1960s and 1970s.
Boilers successfully activated at Louisville VA Medical Center
Louisville, Kentucky - The Louisville VA Medical Center project has successfully activated the boilers within the Central Utility Plant portion of the project. This critical development brings the $940 million facility one step closer to full operational readiness. The three 800-horsepower steam boilers will serve as the primary energy source for the 910,000-square-foot Medical Center, supporting essential infrastructure including high-capacity heating, ventilation, and laundry facilities. These systems are vital for more than just climate control; they provide the necessary steam for medical instrument sterilization, domestic hot water, and kitchen operations. With anticipated completion in 2026, the new 104-bed, full-service hospital will provide world-class, patient-centered healthcare to more than 45,000 Veterans across Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Concrete placed for first I-69 ORX approach bridge deck
Evansville, Indiana - Concrete placement for the I-69 Ohio River Crossing (Section 3) first approach bridge deck took 12 hours of continuous pouring and over 170 truckloads of concrete. Three approach bridges are being built in Indiana, as part of Section 3 work, marking the path to the future I-69 bridge. The bridges will provide all-weather access for crews to build the I-69 bridge. The approach bridges and roadways in Evansville will open to traffic after completion of the bridge, currently estimated to be in 2031. Construction on ORX Section 3 is expected to be 60% complete by the end of this year and is on schedule to be complete by late 2026.
Hard Labor Creek Water Treatment Facility takes shape at steady pace
Walton County, Georgia - Hard to believe that groundbreaking was just over six months ago, and look at the progress taking shape at the new Hard Labor Creek Regional Reservoir Water Treatment Facility. The site is quickly evolving into a state-of-the-art treatment facility that will ultimately produce up to 16 million gallons of drinking water per day for the region. Key components of this $127 million project will include advanced filtration systems, chemical feed equipment, finished water storage, and a high-service pump station. Once complete, this facility will provide Walton and Oconee counties with a safe, sustainable, and scalable water supply to meet the area’s growing residential, commercial, and industrial demand for decades to come.
Archer Western completes first step of Signal Mountain WWTP Remediation Project
Chattanooga, Tennessee - Phase 1 of the Signal Mountain WWTP Remediation Project is nearing substantial completion, marking a major step forward in improving long-term access and constructability at this mountain-side site. This phase established the critical access infrastructure needed to support both the existing treatment plant and future expansion work, including construction of a new paved entrance and a network of concrete and gravel service roads throughout the site. To limit excavation and reduce land-disturbance impacts on the steep terrain, our team also constructed a new soil nail wall that allowed us to safely build in difficult and shifting ground conditions. Working on the side of Signal Mountain brings challenges, but our teams adapted and applied safe, high-quality construction practices that are laying a strong foundation for the project’s next phases.
Third and tallest arch completed for Miami’s I-395 Signature Bridge
Miami, Florida - The Archer-Western-deMoya Group Joint Venture has completed the tallest arch for the I-395 Signature Bridge. This is the third of the six towering arches completed next to the overpass through Miami's urban core, part of the I-395/SR 836/I-95 Design-Build Project. Standing at 330 feet tall and 650 feet wide, the third arch was completed with a cast-in-place concrete pour using 86 precast segments, weighing in at 90 tons each. Crews added formwork to the arch gap before using a crane and special bucket to pour approximately 25 cubic yards of concrete in order to connect both sides of the arch. Construction continues on the remaining three arches, with work currently underway on the fourth arch and foundations for the remaining two arches are in progress. Crews are also constructing 36 temporary auger cast pile foundations and concrete pads to support the falsework for the arches and bridge deck. Crews will connect a total of 345 segments to deliver the bridge's iconic arches. Once complete, the project will enhance the flow of traffic and safety, and improve access along I-395, SR 836 and I-95 and serve as a striking architectural landmark for the community.
Populatic Water Treatment Plant named Best Water/Environment Project by ENR East
Medway, Massachusetts - The Populatic Water Treatment Plant has been recognized as the Best Regional Water/Environment Project by Engineering News-Record East. Walsh Construction was the general contractor for this $20.6-million facility that strengthens Medway’s water system and prepares it for future upgrades. The plant houses advanced treatment equipment, new support facilities and designated space for future PFAS filtration, an early, forward-thinking investment that will reduce the time, cost and disruption typically associated with retrofits as water quality standards evolve. The project also enhances system redundancy for more reliable distribution during high-demand or emergency conditions, with the layout and processes shaped directly by input from the town and end-users. Modular construction techniques and efficient material choices helped accelerate the schedule with no interruption to water service and nearly 30,000 work hours completed with zero injuries or recordable incidents. The team also worked closely with trade leaders to sequence complex tasks safely in tight spaces, and partnered with the town to navigate supply chain challenges, identifying alternatives that minimized delay and community impact.
Walsh Federal and local partners to fund and build new crisis nursery center
Great Falls, Montana - Walsh Construction’s team at Malmstrom Air Force Base, together with a committed group of local industry trade partners, is leading the effort to fund and build a new nursery crisis center for Toby’s House Crisis Nursery. Recognizing a critical need within the community, Walsh and its trade partners collectively envisioned this facility as a way to meaningfully support an organization dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable children and families. Since opening in December 2020, Toby’s House has provided essential crisis, respite, and transitional care for children ages 0–6. Founded in response to tragic losses in the community and named in memory of October "Toby" Perez, Toby’s House represents a mission that strongly resonated with the project team. The new nursery will be built on a donated 22,150-square-foot site near downtown Great Falls, improving accessibility, visibility, and long-term benefit to the community. The planned 5,775-square-foot facility reflects the shared vision to deliver a safe, durable, and welcoming environment designed around the needs of children, families, and staff. The project includes a porte-cochere entrance, secure outdoor play areas, and dedicated parking, while supporting future growth and expanded services. Through the leadership of the Walsh team and construction industry partners, most building materials and all construction labor have been pledged as donations, representing an estimated $1.5 million value at market rates, along with financial contributions from additional community supporters. As part of its commitment, Walsh will provide overall project management and coordination, supporting trade partners through scheduling and site management to ensure the successful delivery of this critical community resource.
Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team named Contractor of the Year
Chicago, Illinois - The Walsh-Fluor Design-Build Team has been named Contractor of the Year by the Illinois Road and Transportation Builders Association. Walsh-Fluor was nominated by the Chicago Transit Authority for their work on the Red Purple Modernization (RPM) Phase One Project. The award recognizes Walsh-Fluor's exceptional performance of the new Lawrence, Argyle, Berwyn and Bryn Mawr Red Line stations, a major milestone in the $2.1 billion RPM Phase One Project. RPM Phase One Project provides four new, fully accessible stations that opened in July, the completion of Track Structure Replacement of 1.9 miles of elevated track structure and a new signal system across 23 track miles. The project enhances customer experience, ensuring a smoother, faster and quieter ride for riders, improved train spacing and reliability, and sightlines for pedestrians and motorists.
Archer Western named Contractor of the Year by DFW Airport
Dallas, Texas - Archer Western has been named Contractor of the Year by Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) International Airport for its work on the International Parkway Terminal B Flyover Bridge. The award recognizes Archer Western’s exceptional performance and early re-opening of the first Terminal B 90-day detour, a critical milestone within the International Parkway Project. Built by Archer Western, the new Terminal B Flyover Bridge provides improved access with new right-hand exits from International Parkway, a new bridge into the terminal, and all associated roadway infrastructure. The project enhances customer experience with more intuitive traffic flow while replacing the 50-year-old bridges that currently connect International Parkway with the terminals.
Archer Western has consistently proven their prowess in project scheduling, standing at the top of their game. They successfully re-opened the first Terminal 90-Day Detour at Terminal B approximately two weeks ahead of schedule. This exemplary progress instilled confidence in both DFW and our airline partners, demonstrating their capability to drive the schedule forward. Their success sets a positive precedent for the remaining two 90-Day detours, showcasing their remarkable efficiency and dedication. - DFW Airport Opportunity Forum
Archer Western reconstructing system-to-system interchange at I-26 and I-95
Orangeburg County, South Carolina - Archer Western crews lift and install concrete girders for the I-26/I-95 Interchange Improvement Project in Orangeburg and Dorchester Counties. The project will maintain existing I-26 and I-95 thru-lanes in their current location and provide clearances for future lanes towards the inside of each interstate mainline. Work includes design and construction of new bridges on I-95 over I-26 and related roadway approaches along I-95, design and construction of interchange ramps, and demolition of existing bridges on I-95. The project will relieve traffic deficiencies at the interchange, while bringing the facility up to current standards and the ability to accommodate future lanes in each direction along both interstate mainlines.
Walsh At Work In Pictures
Happy Holidays from all of us at The Walsh Group!