Bridge connecting two Mount Prospect parks nears construction phase

Nearly a decade after it was first discussed, the Mount Prospect pedestrian bridge connecting Meadows and Melas parks is closer to construction.

Public Works Director Sean Dorsey said the Illinois Department of Transportation is set to open construction bids April 24.

IDOT will recommend a contractor, and the village board is likely to vote on that recommendation in May.

Construction should be complete by next year.

The bridge would span Northwest Highway and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.

Last week, the village board authorized Mayor Paul Hoefert to sign both a deed granting an easement to the village from UP and a pedestrian bridge agreement with the railroad. The village pays $75,000 for the easement and up to $95,000 more for inspection and coordination costs with the railroad.

Trustees William Grossi and Beth DiPrima voted against the authorization.

Most of the $9.6 million project is grant funded, with the village’s share estimated at $1.6 million.

Dorsey said he does not expect major long-term disruptions to traffic along Northwest Highway or the UP tracks during construction.

“It will be delivered pre-assembled to a certain degree, and then it’ll be lifted in place by cranes overhead,” Dorsey said. “My understanding is that it goes relatively quickly. There is no intention to detour traffic or shut down Northwest Highway. We’re just going to lift it in place, maintaining existing traffic.”