McDowell Grove bridge replacement poised to begin

Work may start this month to replace an aging bridge at the entrance to McDowell Grove near Naperville.

DuPage County Forest Preserve commissioners are expected to vote Tuesday to hire Dunnet Bay Construction Co. to replace the 1940s one-lane bridge with a two-lane structure that will span the West Branch of the DuPage River.

A dedicated pedestrian trail also would be built as part of the $1.96 million contract.

In addition, commissioners are expected to vote to hire WBK Engineering, LLC, for $115,906 to perform day-to-day construction observation and documentation for the project.

"Ultimately, the goal is to improve safety for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic by removing the multiple conflicts that exist currently," said Kevin Horsfall, the district's planning manager.

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 that 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 straightened and widened to account for two-way traffic.

If the contracts are approved, work on the project is expected to start later this month and be completed by early December, officials said.

The construction will affect users of the West Branch DuPage River Trail - a 23-mile regional path that begins in Hanover Park and runs south through DuPage - because it passes directly through the construction site.

Once construction begins, a portion of the preserve and trail will be closed. There will be a signed detour route.