Forest preserve finding more money for new McDowell Grove bridge

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners are expected to approve additional funding so the district can proceed with a planned replacement of a bridge at McDowell Grove near Naperville.

Forest preserve officials are just weeks away from seeking bids for the construction of a new bridge that will replace an aging one-lane structure that spans the West Branch of the DuPage River at the entrance to McDowell Grove.

However, the current estimate for the project is $2.38 million - roughly $992,000 more than what the district set aside for the work.

"Essentially, the project is ready for bid pending approval of funds to eliminate the shortfall," said Kevin Horsfall, the forest district's planning manager.

So commissioners on Tuesday reviewed a proposal to get more money for the bridge replacement from several sources, including unspent funds from recently completed projects.

Commissioners didn't voice any objections to the funding proposal. They are scheduled to vote on it next week.

On Tuesday, Commissioner Mary Lou Wehrli said she supports the plan to replace the bridge because it will improve safety.

One concern with the existing bridge is that it's used by both pedestrians and vehicles. The new bridge will have two lanes for vehicles and a separate elevated path for pedestrians and cyclists.

Another issue is the entrance road from Raymond Drive that leads to the bridge has a steep grade and a curve.

As part of the project, that road will be widened to account for two-way traffic. It also will be straightened to remove the curve.

Once construction begins, it's expected to take roughly five months to finish.