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  • Charlene Stark

Infrastructure Projects: The Role of the Office of Underground Coordination (OUC) in Chicago

Updated: Aug 7, 2023

Office of Underground Coordination (OUC) in Chicago


The OUC is responsible for coordinating infrastructure projects that take place below the surface of Chicago's streets. This includes utility relocations, street and sidewalk closures, and other projects that require access to the underground space.


The OUC works with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that these projects are completed efficiently and safely. This includes utilities, contractors, and other city departments.

Infrastructure projects can be disruptive, but they are also essential for the functioning of any city. In Chicago, the Office of Underground Coordination (OUC) plays a crucial role in ensuring that these projects are completed safely and with minimal disruption to the public.


When it comes to infrastructure projects in Chicago, the Office of Underground Coordination (OUC) plays an indispensable role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of underground work. The OUC's mission is to prevent conflicts with existing substructures, and that's where we, at Permit Studio, make your work less burdensome. As your reliable Permit Expediter, we interact with the OUC on your behalf, effectively managing the coordination process and ensuring your project complies with all the necessary Building Permits Chicago rules and regulations.


Our team at Permit Studio understands the complexities of Chicago's underground landscape, making us your reliable partner in Permit Expediting Services. We handle everything from paperwork submission to correspondence with OUC, relieving you from the often strenuous permit acquisition process. Our services extend to Permit Management, ensuring continuous compliance and smooth operation of your project. So, whether you're embarking on a new construction or performing significant infrastructure upgrades, let us navigate the Chicago Building Permits process for you, ensuring a swift and successful project realization.

The OUC's Role in Coordinating Infrastructure Projects:

As the name suggests, the OUC is responsible for coordinating infrastructure projects that take place below the surface of Chicago's streets. This includes utility relocations, street and sidewalk closures, and other projects that require access to the underground space.

The OUC works with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that these projects are completed efficiently and safely. This includes utilities, contractors, and other city departments. The OUC also makes use of advanced tools and techniques, such as digital maps and permit expediter processes, to streamline the coordination efforts.

Ensuring Public Safety during Infrastructure Projects:

Ensuring public safety is a top priority for the OUC during any infrastructure project. This includes taking measures to minimize disruptions to traffic and pedestrians, as well as ensuring that any potential safety hazards are addressed.

For example, the OUC may implement traffic control measures or detours to minimize disruptions to traffic flow during a street closure. The OUC may also work with utilities to ensure that any gas or water lines are properly shut off before work begins.

The Benefits of the OUC's Coordination Efforts:

The OUC's coordination efforts not only help to ensure public safety during infrastructure projects, but they also have a number of other benefits for the city of Chicago. By working with multiple stakeholders and using advanced tools and techniques, the OUC is able to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and on time.

This helps to minimize disruptions to Chicago's residents and businesses, and helps to keep the city's infrastructure running smoothly. The OUC's coordination efforts also help to ensure that projects are completed on budget, which helps to save money and resources.

Coordinating Utility Relocations:

When utilities need to be relocated for an infrastructure project, the OUC is responsible for coordinating the process. This can involve working with multiple utilities, including water, gas, and electricity, to ensure that the relocations are completed safely and efficiently.

The OUC also works with contractors and other city departments to ensure that the utility relocations are properly planned and executed. This can involve using advanced tools and techniques, such as digital maps and permit expediter processes, to streamline the coordination efforts.

Coordinating Street and Sidewalk Closures:

In addition to coordinating utility relocations, the OUC is also responsible for coordinating street and sidewalk closures for infrastructure projects. This can involve closing streets or sidewalks completely, or implementing lane closures or other traffic control measures.

Again, the OUC works with contractors and other city departments to ensure that the closures are properly planned and executed. The OUC also works with local businesses and residents to minimize disruptions and ensure that they are aware of any changes to traffic patterns.

What Are the Benefits of the OUC's Coordination Efforts?

The OUC's coordination efforts have a number of benefits for the city of Chicago. By working with a variety of stakeholders and using advanced tools and techniques, the OUC is able to ensure that infrastructure projects are completed efficiently and safely.

This in turn helps to minimize disruptions to Chicago's residents and businesses, and helps to keep the city's infrastructure running smoothly. The OUC's coordination efforts also help to ensure that projects are completed on time and on budget, which helps to save money and resources.

The Office of Underground Coordination (OUC) plays a crucial role in ensuring that infrastructure projects in Chicago are completed safely and with minimal disruption to the public. From coordinating utility relocations to managing street and sidewalk closures, the OUC works tirelessly to ensure that projects are completed efficiently and on time, while also prioritizing public safety.

Contact Permit Studio:

Looking for a reliable permit expediter to help streamline your next infrastructure project? Look no further than Permit Studio! Our team of experienced permit expediters provides top-notch permit expediting services to ensure that your project stays on track and on budget. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your permit needs!


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