City to Solicit Bids for Phase 1 of Red Gate Bridge Construction

This week, the City of St. Charles will solicit bids for the first phase of construction of the long-awaited Red Gate Bridge. The advanced construction phase is estimated at approximately $3 million and includes:

• Mass Earthwork (moving dirt)
• Fox River Trail Pedestrian Bridge (a small bridge over the existing Fox River bike trail)
• Tree Removal
• Stormwater detention

The advanced construction documents have been completed by the City’s engineer and are ready to be released for bidding.

On Monday evening, the Government Services Committee of the St. Charles City Council directed staff to proceed with bidding for the advanced construction work and return to the City Council with a bid award as soon as possible. At this time, the City anticipates that a bid will be ready for award at the July 5, 2011 City Council meeting with construction work starting shortly thereafter. This phase of construction is estimated to create approximately 100 jobs with a total payroll of approximately $2 million.

The advanced construction phase will be paid for with approximately $7 million that the City currently has set aside in a dedicated fund for the bridge project. No new taxes or borrowing will be needed to fund this phase of the project.

The Red Gate Bridge is being constructed for several reasons:

• Traffic reduction on Main Street
• The project will improve the overall transportation infrastructure in the community by providing other options to cross the Fox River. Having additional, alternative routes to cross the river is a benefit
• The bridge will allow increased ties to the St. Charles community by connecting the north part of St. Charles in a new way
• Emergency vehicle access will be improved. This applies not just to fire department vehicles that may be located at a future Station #4 at Red Gate Road and Route 31, but also St. Charles police and Kane County sheriff’s police officers that may need to respond across the river in that area
• The bridge will provide an important new recreational amenity by constructing a pedestrian bike bridge over the river. It will also enhance access to the existing forest preserve lands in the area

A second construction contract for the bridge and related roadway improvements is slated to be let in early 2012, with construction on that phase to commence shortly thereafter.

This project serves as a key solution to resolve many of the concerns regarding travel for all residents and visitors to St. Charles and will improve overall transportation. Those who would like additional information regarding the project can go to www.redgatebridge.org or contact Mark Koenen at 630-377-4408.