Naperville dedicates pedestrian bridge

Naperville Mayor George Pradel Thursday had a riddle for south side residents: Why did the chicken cross Route 59?

"Until now he couldn't cross Route 59 because there wasn't a safe way to cross," Pradel said. "But now we're going to have a safe way to cross Route 59 for all of us."

The city and park district officially dedicated the new pedestrian bridge that crosses Route 59 between 95th and 103rd streets.

"It connects or bridges our residents on the west side with exceptional recreation opportunities on the east side, most notably Frontier Park," said park board President Suzanne Hart. "Additionally, the bridge makes the library, Neuqua Valley High School and the park more accessible and helps people safely reach the campus or important community amenities."

The bridge has been under construction since October and includes lighting and railings for added safety.

After a ribbon-cutting ceremony, families walked and pedalled across the bridge, as traffic whizzed by below.

Pradel called the structure a "legacy to the children of Naperville and the surrounding community" and gave them high-fives as they took off.

Laura Thomson, who lives in the Tall Grass neighborhood on the west side, said she is excited to have an easier way to get across Route 59 with her children. In the past, they would try crossing at 95th Street.

"It was incredibly difficult to get across, especially with kids," she said.

Dawn Summers, also a Tall Grass resident, said she normally would have driven if her family needed to get to the east side but is happy to have a way to bike.

"We ride bikes a lot, usually more in the neighborhood because we didn't have a way out of the neighborhood," she said. "But we're on our way to the library now."