Preliminary

engineering

From early uncertainty to confident implementation, HLR helps communities shape infrastructure projects with clarity, technical direction, funding strategy, and stakeholder alignment.

project planning

From Concept to Constructible Design

When infrastructure projects begin, uncertainty is often the biggest challenge — not design. Communities must evaluate competing priorities, technical constraints, funding eligibility, and stakeholder expectations before a project can move forward.


HLR provides the structure and engineering insight needed to turn early ideas into well-defined, fundable, and constructible projects. Our approach ensures that decisions made at the planning stage support successful outcomes in final design and delivery.

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

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

Community Engagement

Engaging Communities for Better Outcomes

Successful infrastructure planning depends on aligning technical solutions with community priorities and stakeholder expectations. 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

Intersection Safety

Designing Safer, Smarter Intersections

Intersection design decisions directly impact safety, mobility, and long-term infrastructure performance. 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 Move Projects Forward

Securing funding early is often the determining factor in whether a project moves forward or remains unfunded. HLR actively tracks eligibility requirements and aligns preliminary engineering work with funding application criteria to improve project competitiveness. This includes identifying and pursuing state and federal programs such as:


  • 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)

specialty

Navigating Complex Project Constraints and Multi-Agency Requirements

Some of the most difficult project challenges emerge not during design, but during early coordination between agencies, utilities, and funding programs.


HLR helps municipalities anticipate and resolve these constraints during preliminary engineering to avoid delays and redesign during later phases.


  • Multi-agency coordination strategies
  • Utility conflict identification and resolution planning
  • Funding eligibility alignment during early design
  • Project phasing and implementation sequencing
  • Regulatory pathway evaluation

Experience That Moves Projects Forward

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

Expertise & Results

Decades of Municipal Experience

Trusted advisor to counties and municipalities across Illinois.

Strong Agency Relationships

Established coordination channels with IDOT and local agencies.

Funding Success

Proven track record securing state and federal infrastructure funding.

Efficient Project Advancement

Planning designed to minimize revisions and accelerate delivery.

Trusted by Municipal Leaders Across Illinois

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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

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Ready to Bring Clarity to Your Next Project?

Let’s turn early planning decisions into confident, fundable infrastructure solutions.