Batavia bridge is officially a beauty

Batavia's new bridge is an award-winner.

The American Public Works Association's Fox Valley branch recently named it Project of the Year in the transportation division, for projects costing between $5 million and $25 million.

The judges were impressed by the efforts of the city to involve private citizens in the design of the project, and to keep people informed about its status.

""Really, the focus (of the judges) on this particular job was what the City of Batavia went through for effects of construction on the public, and soliciting alternatives on what it should look like," said engineer Bob Rollings, president of the branch. "Plus it is very attractive aesthetically."

Construction on the $10 million Donovan Bridge on Wilson Street, in the city's downtown, began in February 2007. It replaced a bridge built in 1911. Construction lasted nearly a year longer than anticipated, mostly due to problems with weather and high river levels.

The city presented 12 designs for public review. And it formed a bridge task force charged with figuring out traffic, parking and commerce concerns for the project, including publishing a special Web site with updates on the work.

The bridge features four pedestrian outlooks. And the corners of the bridge will be adorned with sculptures. The first, Kia Schulte's "Nature Sounds of Harmony," will be placed on the southeast pedestal this spring.

The bridge project now advances to the APWA's Chicago Metro Chapter contest this spring.