St. Charles assessing options for Indiana Street pedestrian bridge repair

The city of St. Charles is taking steps to possibly repair the Indiana Street pedestrian bridge, also known as the Piano Factory Bridge, which is in poor condition and does not meet modern code standards.

The pedestrian bridge was constructed in 1904 to provide a route across the Fox River for Cable Piano Factory employees. Since the factory was demolished in 2000, the bridge has been used as a bike and pedestrian path connection.

A 2013 inspection found the bridge to be in poor condition because of deterioration. Currently, the bridge does not meet modern load rating requirements, and the seven-foot width does not meet modern standards for a mixed-use path.

The bridge is inspected annually to ensure it can safely remain open to foot traffic. However, due to its condition, the bridge is closed during all major city events to avoid overloading.

The city is now exploring options for repairing the bridge, including hiring an engineering firm to begin assessing the possibilities of reconstruction.

During a Government Services Committee meeting on Monday, members recommended approval of a contract with TranSystems Corporation to conduct the first two construction engineering phases of the bridge for $391,881.

The city council will vote on the proposed contract as soon as Tuesday, Sept. 3.

The study will analyze four potential options for the bridge. Those options are doing nothing, repairing and restoring the superstructure, doing a partial restoration incorporating original structural elements, or replacing the bridge.

Per the contract, TranSystems would do an in-depth evaluation of the structure, looking into each of the four options, and then present recommendations to the city for consideration. The options also will be reviewed by engineering staff, historic preservation groups, and citizens at public meetings.

City engineers told committee members that the first phases of engineering work should take up to two years, and the entire process could take up to four years.

TranSystems is expected to begin all necessary coordination with regulatory agencies and assist in applying for grant funding for construction if the contract is approved.

On Monday, multiple committee members expressed that they would prefer the bridge be repaired and restored rather than replaced.