Last month a new research grant was awarded by the Illinois Tollway for Investigation of Approach Slab Construction and Evaluation of Modular Approach Slab Designs. This project is led by Prof. Fahnestock and Prof. LaFave, and it focuses on approach slabs for integral abutment bridge (IABs), which are being used extensively in new construction by the Tollway. Approach slabs on many Tollway IABs are exhibiting premature cracking, so this new research project will use field monitoring and numerical simulations to study the problem and develop strategies for improved performance and extended service life.