New pedestrian bridge construction to begin over I-294 in Illinois

The Illinois Tollway this week will begin work on the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Pedestrian Bridge project in Hinsdale and Western Springs.

The Tollway is building a new pedestrian bridge over I-294 to maintain a convenient connection between Veeck Park and Spring Rock Park and community pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists as part of the $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway Project. The pedestrian bridge is being relocated from its current location near Ogden Avenue to a new location adjacent to 47th Street, according to a press release.

Work on the I-294 Pedestrian Bridge Project will include removal of trees in the footprint of the new bridge and ramps and within the work zone on the north side of 47th Street. To minimize disruption in the parks, construction access will be from 47th Street for work to build piers and abutments in the parks on both sides with work scheduled to be complete in fall 2022. A new pre-fabricated steel pedestrian bridge structure is scheduled to be moved into place in spring 2023.

The Illinois Tollway’s construction schedule will ensure that local residents will continue to have access to a pedestrian bridge over I-294, the Tollway says. The removal of the existing bridge near Ogden Avenue will be scheduled after the new pedestrian bridge adjacent to 47th Street opens to the public. The project is scheduled to be complete in 2023.

The bridge design features a steel structure and ADA accessible sloped ramps with ornamental vertical fencing painted black. The Tollway says it worked with local municipalities and the park district to incorporate design details into the new pedestrian bridge and to include landscape restoration and improvements at both locations in the project.

The $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project is reconstructing and widening the roadway between Balmoral Avenue and 95th Street to provide congestion relief, update old infrastructure to meet current and future transportation demand, and address regional needs, the Tollway says. This work is part of the Tollway’s 15-year, $14 billion Move Illinois capital program.

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SOURCE: Illinois Tollway