Preliminary

engineering

From concept to constructible design, HLR helps communities plan infrastructure improvements with clarity, funding support, and stakeholder trust.

project planning

From Concept to Constructible Design

When you’re planning a new infrastructure project, questions often outweigh answers. HLR’s preliminary engineering services provide the framework to move from concept to constructible design — building a strong foundation for project success.


Our approach balances technical expertise with public involvement, funding strategies, and agency coordination, ensuring projects can advance smoothly into final engineering with minimal revisions.

Community Engagement

Engaging Communities for Better Outcomes

Building trust and consensus with residents and stakeholders is key to successful projects. HLR regularly organizes:


  • Meetings with elected officials and stakeholders
  • Public outreach events, open houses, and hearings
  • Communications via project websites, email, social media, mailings, and flyers

Agency Coordination

Proactive Coordination to Prevent Delays

Identifying potential conflicts with agencies, utilities, and adjacent projects early saves time and prevents costly design changes. HLR’s staff ensures:


  • Effective communication between all parties
  • Concept plans including necessary info for detailed design
  • Efficient transition from preliminary to final engineering

Feasibility Analysis

Evaluating Projects for Success

Feasibility studies help clients assess viability — from roadway improvements to bridge crossings. HLR examines concepts and existing conditions to identify:


  • Impacts on cost and schedule
  • Strengths/weaknesses of proposed improvements
  • Realistic paths to successful implementation

Intersection Safety

Designing Safer, Smarter Intersections

Intersections play a critical role in safety and traffic flow. HLR completes Intersection Design Studies (IDS) for all types of intersections.

Types of Intersections:

  • Four-way stops and signalized intersections
  • Roundabouts
  • Single-point urban interchanges
  • Diverging diamond intersections

IDS Reports Include:

  • Lane configurations, turn-lane lengths
  • Preliminary right-of-way needs
  • Corner radii, taper lengths, curb/gutter, shoulder widths
  • Traffic data (peak hours, trucks, design vehicles, ADT)
  • Approach grade profiles
  • Turning-movement diagrams

Funding Solutions

Securing the Resources to Make Projects Happen

Lack of funding is a major challenge for infrastructure improvements. HLR actively tracks and applies for state and federal programs, including:


  • Surface Transportation Program (STP)
  • Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ)
  • Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP)
  • Safe Routes to School (SRTS)
  • Transportation Enhancements / Truck Access Route Program (TARP)
  • Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-Term Achievement of National Efficiencies (FASTLANE)\
  • Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER)
  • Community Project Funding (CPF)

Experience, Relationships, and Results

Clients count on HLR for the expertise, relationships, and resources that transform preliminary concepts into lasting infrastructure solutions.

Expertise & Results

Decades of Experience

Proven history working with IDOT, counties, and municipalities across Illinois.

Trusted Relationships

Strong connections with state and local agencies that help projects move forward smoothly.

Funding Expertise

A reliable track record of securing project funding through state and federal programs.

Seamless Transition

Designs that move efficiently from preliminary to final engineering with minimal revisions.

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"Having a partner that we can trust as much as we trust HLR is fantastic.”

 “When we work with an outside firm, it’s very important to me that they protect the interests of the city, because they are operating on behalf of the city. HLR does a great job of taking ownership over all aspects of the job and resolving every problem that might come up. I think the level of ownership they take is really unique. They truly see themselves as part of the City’s team."

Aaron Neal

Public Works Director, City of Elgin

extend your team

Ready to bring your vision into focus?

Contact our team to discuss how HLR can guide your next project from concept to reality.