We’re excited to announce WGI’s newest office location in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois!
This expansion represents a major step forward as we continue to strategically grow our footprint across the country and strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality infrastructure services throughout the Midwest.
With our Chicago-based team now officially on the ground, WGI is positioned to bring innovative solutions and unmatched expertise to the region’s growing infrastructure demands – from major transportation corridors to utility coordination in dense urban environments…. And we’re kicking things off in a big way with a new Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Why Chicago, and Why Now?
It’s no secret that Chicago is a hub for innovation, development, and infrastructure investment, making it a natural fit for WGI.
With a rich history of transportation and utility networks that continue to evolve, the city and its surrounding region present a significant opportunity for WGI to apply our nationally recognized experience in Subsurface Utility Engineering, Aerial Mapping, and Survey Services.
By establishing our presence in Woolridge, we’re able to provide a strong local presence with direct access to our clients, partners, and project sites.
Our expansion into Illinois aligns with WGI’s long-term strategic vision to be a partner of choice for transportation agencies, municipalities, utilities, and engineering firms across the nation.
Meet the Local Experts Leading the Charge
At the heart of our Chicago operation is a passionate and experienced team of professionals who bring decades of combined experience in utility investigations, project delivery, and client service:
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Eddie Gaytan – Project Manager
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A recognized leader in the utility industry, Eddie brings over 30 years of experience managing SUE projects for IDOT and other agencies across the state. His deep knowledge of IDOT protocols, paired with his ability to manage large teams and complex deliverables, makes him an ideal lead for our Midwest operations.
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Julia Podedworny-Taylor – SUE Market Leader
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Julia plays a key role in project coordination, field oversight, and quality assurance. Her background in utility coordination and field data management ensures our projects meet the highest standards of accuracy and efficiency.
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Mikey Sanchez – Field Operations Manager
- Mikey oversees day-to-day field operations for WGI’s SUE and utility coordination efforts in Illinois. With years of experience in utility locating and field crew management, he ensures every project is executed with safety, efficiency, and technical precision. Mikey’s leadership in the field plays a vital role in delivering seamless and reliable project outcomes.
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 Miguel Sanchez, Gregg Rogers, and Shawn Harp
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These utility locating and SUE field specialists bring boots-on-the-ground expertise and a commitment to safety, precision, and client satisfaction. Their work ensures that every project is executed with diligence and care.
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Together, this team forms the core of WGI’s Chicago operations – and is backed by our national network of engineers, surveyors, technicians, and geospatial experts!
Our Current Services
Our Chicago office is currently providing the following services to clients throughout the region:
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Subsurface Utility Investigations (SUI)
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Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE) (Quality Levels A–D)
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Utility Coordination and Conflict Matrix Development
WGI is prequalified with IDOT to perform these services, along with:
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Aerial Mapping / LiDAR
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Mobile LiDAR Scanning
- Subsurface Utility Engineering
And we’re not stopping there….
Shortly, we plan to expand our offerings to include comprehensive survey services, mobile and aerial LiDAR deployments, and advanced geospatial analytics. These services will allow WGI to provide full-spectrum field and mapping solutions for transportation and utility projects across Illinois and beyond.
Who We Serve
WGI’s presence in Chicago enables us to directly serve key clients in the public and private sectors, including:
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The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)
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Local municipalities and county agencies
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Public and private utility owners
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Engineering firms seeking experienced teaming partners
We understand the complex utility and transportation environment in the region and bring a collaborative, problem-solving approach to every engagement.
Our deep knowledge of IDOT standards, including CI/ASCE 38-22 and utility accommodation policies, allows us to serve as an extension of agency staff and trusted advisors to our clients.
Building Strong Partnerships
WGI’s growth is built on collaboration, and our Chicago office is no exception. We are proud to be actively partnered with the following firms:
These organizations bring decades of experience in Illinois infrastructure projects and are key collaborators on several major initiatives, including our latest win with IDOT.
A Major Milestone: IDOT PTB 215, Item 10
WGI’s new Chicago team has already secured a major win: a Professional Transportation Bulletin (PTB) 215 item 10 contract with IDOT for Various Phase II SUE Projects across District 1!
This multi-year contract tasks WGI with performing utility investigations, coordination, engineering services, permit inspections, and deliverables that will support infrastructure improvements across numerous counties and corridors. It’s a major vote of confidence from one of the region’s most respected transportation agencies, and it speaks to our team’s qualifications, responsiveness, and commitment to excellence.
We will manage this contract directly from our Chicago-area office, deploying both local and national SUE field crews and leveraging the support of our DBE partners to deliver results.
With over 300 IDOT projects completed by our team, WGI is uniquely equipped to meet the expectations and deadlines that come with this important contract.
The Road Ahead
We’re excited to call Chicago home and look forward to growing alongside the city and region we now serve.
From expanding service lines and hiring new talent to forming deeper partnerships and securing transformative projects, WGI is just getting started in Illinois.
Whether you’re a potential client, teaming partner, or fellow infrastructure professional, we invite you to connect with our team and discover how WGI can help you deliver smarter, faster, and more resilient infrastructure solutions.
Contact Us!
So, are you ready to play a role in Chicago’s future…. Contact our team today and learn more about this transformative initiative and how you can partner with our team to make a tangible impact!
