Western Springs And Hinsdale Get Choices For Bridge

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The state's tollway agency wants answers from Western Springs and Hinsdale on what type of pedestrian bridge they want. As part of the Interstate 294 project, the state is taking down the current bridge that links the towns.

Late last year, the villages requested the new bridge go along 47th Street, about a half mile south of the current site. It will be considerably wider than the existing structure, officials said.

At Monday's Western Springs Village Board meeting, an Illinois Tollway official gave the village two bridge options — one with three slight arches and the other being more conventional, called Pratt style. The one with arches costs $200,000 more, split between the villages.

The Illinois Tollway requested an answer by week's end. Village trustees gave one a half hour later — Pratt style.

The villages also have two choices for colors — black or auburn. They would have to pay for maintenance if they chose black. Auburn would be weathering steel, which is naturally that color.

In response to the tollway official, the trustees said they wanted the Pratt-style bridge because it would not cost the village.

"I don't really see the need for aesthetics that would increase the cost," Trustee Nicole Chen said.

Trustee James Tyrrell said he liked the arched style better, but it likely wasn't worth the cost.

"I'm leaning toward the Pratt for fiscal responsibility," he said.

Village President Alice Gallagher and the other trustees agreed.

The trustees had different opinions on the color, but they have more time to decide that. They said they needed more information on costs.

The Hinsdale Village Board is expected to discuss bridge options at its meeting Thursday.