Construction will close West Chicago bridge for three weeks

Construction work on the A. Eugene Rennels Bridge in downtown West Chicago will close the nearly 30-year-old structure for three weeks this summer.

Robert Flatter, director of public works, said the bridge, which crosses over railroad tracks and the Illinois Prairie Path, has only had minor repairs once, in 2002.

"The life expectancy of bridges of this nature is in the 20-year range," he said. "We're in that 15-year range where it's time to do some more preventive maintenance."

Crews are expected to start work in early July. The bridge - used by about 5,000 vehicles a day - will be closed from July 5 to 26.

During the closure, drivers will be detoured over the railroad tracks at Wood and Washington streets. Pedestrians will be detoured through the Main Street tunnel on Turner Court.

Crews will improve the surface of the bridge by replacing the existing concrete deck with two inches of latex concrete, resulting in a smoother surface, Flatter said.

Other renovations include sidewalk and curb replacement and storm drainage improvements.

In addition, fencing on the bridge will be replaced with a black vinyl chain link fence, mostly for cosmetic purposes.

Flatter said there will be partial lane closures while work is being done on the fencing in the weeks following the full bridge closure.

The entire project will cost the city about $916,000. It is expected to be complete by the end of August.

"The bridge is in great shape and we want to keep it in great shape and not have to totally reconstruct the bridge anytime in the near future," Flatter said. "An ounce of prevention now saves us a major cost in the future."