State funding $1.7 million upgrade of Elk Grove pedestrian bridge

Plans are under way for a $1.7 million reconstruction of the Clearmont Pedestrian Bridge over Salt Creek in Elk Grove Village, state Sen. Laura Murphy announced Tuesday.

The proposed improvements include replacing the existing structure with a new 14-foot-wide, 400-foot-long crossing. At nearly twice the length of the existing bridge, the proposed structure will touch down outside floodplain limits, allowing residents to use the bridge even during flooding.

The work also will include a new creek overlook allowing pedestrians to stop and view wildlife in the area, new lighting, pathway reconstruction, and drainage improvements.

"Infrastructure isn't just about roads and bridges. It's about the paths families walk and bike to school, to work or simply for recreation," Murphy, a Democrat from Des Plaines, said in the announcement. "Safe, attractive sidewalks and bicycle paths are critical components of a well-maintained community."

The Clearmont Pedestrian Bridge provides a crossing over Salt Creek to connect to the Salt Creek Trail, Busse Woods Forest Preserve and Rainbow Falls Waterpark.

The improvements are funded through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Other projects receiving funding include improvements to the Des Plaines River Trail in Rosemont, County Farm Road in Hanover Park and Oakton Street Sidepath in Des Plaines.