Elmhurst Pedestrian Bridge Coming, But Rubs Neighbors Wrong Way

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst's northside pedestrian bridge is expected to be done by next May.

But the construction project is rubbing neighbors the wrong way.

The state Department of Transportation is in charge of the $3.6 million project, according to the city. The city is paying $88,000, with state and federal grants covering the rest.

Officials have long said the city needs a pedestrian bridge over Route 83 on the north side. One goal is to connect people to nearby Berens Park.

South Elmhurst enjoys the Illinois Prairie Path bridge.

The northside project includes an 8-foot-wide path replacing a sidewalk in front of houses on Fay Avenue.

That upset Fay residents, who said they feared bicycles would crash into cars entering and leaving driveways.

Despite the opposition, the City Council went ahead with the plan.

At Monday's City Council meeting, two Fay Avenue residents complained about the construction project, which started in late March.

Nancy Cicero said she was unsure why the city did not direct truck traffic from Route 83, rather than from Fay.

"This is poor planning and could have been avoided," she said. "Lots of damage is being caused for no reason."

Another Fay resident, Megan Durkowski, also mentioned truck traffic, but also cut-down trees and a drainage issue.

"It's been a continuous problem," she said. "We don't want a bridge, and I understand it's happening. But there need to be answers and checks and balances."

The council followed its policy not to respond to public comments.