Two options proposed for south extension of Naperville Riverwalk
Two different design concepts for the Naperville Riverwalk’s south extension will go out for bid next year, one of which could trim the project’s cost by about $1.5 million.
In a unanimous vote Tuesday, the Naperville Riverwalk Commission approved a design plan for the south extension and Hillside Gateway project as it was originally envisioned in the Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan. If approved, it is expected to total about $6.8 million.
However, with an eye toward cost savings, the commission also approved a less-expensive version of the plan that would keep the full trail connection from Martin Avenue to Hillside Road but remove multiple design components. That would shave about $1.5 million from the cost.
Components that would be eliminated include the north Hillside Gateway Plaza and stairs, a barrier wall, a sitting area/overlook a little south of the Hillside Road bridge, and a plaza and seat wall at the northwest corner of Martin Avenue and Washington Street.
Regardless of which one is selected, both will improve pedestrian connectivity between downtown Naperville and Endeavor Health Edward Hospital, officials said.
“I think the feeling was that, you know, (these removed elements are) not maybe quite as important as maintaining the overall connectivity from Hillside (Road) to Martin (Avenue). I think that was really something that people felt strongly about,” said Andy Hynes, deputy director of the city’s Transportation, Engineering and Development department.
While much of the Hillside Gateway Plaza would be removed, the alternate plan would maintain the path so that those walking along the Riverwalk would have access to Hillside Road, Hynes said. It would also keep a low flow walkway under the Hillside Road bridge.
Of all of the items proposed for removal in the alternative project design, removal of the Hillside Gateway is the one that would save the most money, potentially trimming anywhere from $800,000 to $900,000.
Removal of the sitting area/overlook could save $200,000 to $250,000 and getting rid of one of the barrier walls could save another $200,000 to $225,000. Cutting the plaza and seat wall at the northwest corner of Martin Avenue would add another $100,000 to $150,000 in savings.
Planning for the south extension has been in the works for years. In 2014, the Naperville City Council expanded the riverwalk’s boundaries to add 1,300 feet south to Martin Avenue. With the boundaries officially expanded, an improvement project was envisioned that, at the time, was estimated to cost about $3 million.
In 2023, the city secured $1.5 million in outside funding for the improvements from Edward Hospital and state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville. But since then, construction estimates have escalated, prompting the city to find ways to reduce costs.
Last month, Riverwalk commissioners voted to keep the full trail extension from Martin Avenue to Hillside Road, arguing that the original end-to-end connection is important for the walkway’s future. The Riverwalk Planning, Design and Construction Committee approved the two bid options earlier this month and sent them to the commission for a vote.
Both design concepts are expected to go out to bid early next year, Hynes said. Once they’re evaluated, staff will make a recommendation to the Naperville City Council, which will make the final call on which to pursue.
The city hopes to begin construction in the spring and complete it by the end of next year or early 2028.
“I’m really happy that this is moving forward,” said Councilman Ian Holzhauer, who serves as council liaison to the Riverwalk Commission. “… There are two very clear paths to getting this done, and I’m confident that city council will pick whichever one of those it feels is more beneficial to the city.”
cstein@chicagotribune.com