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Lombard, IL —
While it’s still in preliminary stages, three pedestrian bridges are planned for construction along the Great Western Trail through Lombard to ensure the safety of residents.
“When the Great Western Trail reaches Lombard, it has a spot that becomes very dangerous,” Village President Bill Mueller said.
The project stemmed from concerns surrounding the St. Charles Road and Grace Street intersection, which is dangerous for cyclists, according to a 2001 feasibility study funded by a state grant.
“Great Western Trail users must traverse two arterial streets and a major railroad with commercial freight and Metra activity to reconnect with the trail,” said Paul Kuehnlenz, civil engineer with the Lombard Public Works Department.
The rail corridor that goes through the intersection has more than 150 trains pass through each day.
Another reason for the bridges is to allow easier access to the downtown area, Lombard Commons Park and the municipal swimming complex from the Great Western Trail.
Additionally, these bridges should shorten traffic signal cycle time, which typically delays vehicles and causes congestion in the area.
“The village will provide local funds from Tax Increment Financing districts as needed,” said Kuehnlenz, who explained that the majority of the funding will come from outside sources.
The project’s estimated cost is $5.1 million, though the amount is not fixed until the project is bid out.
The Federal Surface Transportation Program Fund is granting $3.8 million, the Illinois Commerce Commission Grade Crossing Protection Fund is granting $1.2 million, and DuPage County is giving $200,000 for engineering.
The final project design is expected to be approved this year, with construction starting in 2011 and a completion date set for 2012.
“We’re going to see it as another asset to the village of Lombard,” Mueller said.
Kuehnlenz said there will be temporary traffic control during construction, but there should be minimal disruption to traffic because most of the work will not be in the roadway.
An open house Monday at Village Hall brought more than 50 adults and children to see the projected changes and have their questions answered.
“Once the dangerous part of the trail is improved, it will be much more popular for both commuters getting to the Metra Station, for residents getting to the Lombard Park District Water Park, and for runners, bicyclists, and pedestrians from Lombard and surrounding communities,” Kuehnlenz said.
While it’s still in preliminary stages, three pedestrian bridges are planned for construction along the Great Western Trail through Lombard to ensure the safety of residents.
“When the Great Western Trail reaches Lombard, it has a spot that becomes very dangerous,” Village President Bill Mueller said.
The project stemmed from concerns surrounding the St. Charles Road and Grace Street intersection, which is dangerous for cyclists, according to a 2001 feasibility study funded by a state grant.
“Great Western Trail users must traverse two arterial streets and a major railroad with commercial freight and Metra activity to reconnect with the trail,” said Paul Kuehnlenz, civil engineer with the Lombard Public Works Department.
The rail corridor that goes through the intersection has more than 150 trains pass through each day.
Another reason for the bridges is to allow easier access to the downtown area, Lombard Commons Park and the municipal swimming complex from the Great Western Trail.
Additionally, these bridges should shorten traffic signal cycle time, which typically delays vehicles and causes congestion in the area.
“The village will provide local funds from Tax Increment Financing districts as needed,” said Kuehnlenz, who explained that the majority of the funding will come from outside sources.
The project’s estimated cost is $5.1 million, though the amount is not fixed until the project is bid out.
The Federal Surface Transportation Program Fund is granting $3.8 million, the Illinois Commerce Commission Grade Crossing Protection Fund is granting $1.2 million, and DuPage County is giving $200,000 for engineering.
The final project design is expected to be approved this year, with construction starting in 2011 and a completion date set for 2012.
“We’re going to see it as another asset to the village of Lombard,” Mueller said.
Kuehnlenz said there will be temporary traffic control during construction, but there should be minimal disruption to traffic because most of the work will not be in the roadway.
An open house Monday at Village Hall brought more than 50 adults and children to see the projected changes and have their questions answered.
“Once the dangerous part of the trail is improved, it will be much more popular for both commuters getting to the Metra Station, for residents getting to the Lombard Park District Water Park, and for runners, bicyclists, and pedestrians from Lombard and surrounding communities,” Kuehnlenz said.
