Wheaton bridge reopens
The wait is over for drivers wanting to get over the railroad tracks in downtown Wheaton.
On Friday afternoon, the new Manchester Road/Wesley Street bridge opened to traffic, providing relief for drivers seeking an overpass across the Union Pacific railroad tracks. The project not only replaced an aging bridge that was in need of repair, city officials say it also created an improved traffic pattern and features a number of aesthetic enhancements.
Crews began working in November 2009 on the project, which involved demolishing the existing roadway bridge, demolishing and replacing the retaining wall along Manchester Road, and reconstructing the approach roads leading to and from the bridge. The project also involved reconstructing the Illinois Prairie Path pedestrian bridge.
Those familiar with the bridge may notice the addition of a stoplight where Manchester Road, Bridge Street and Wesley Street intersect. A change in the traffic pattern means drivers on the bridge will now be allowed to turn left onto Bridge Street, a turn that previously was prohibited due to structural deficiencies in the old bridge.
The new bridge no longer has weight restrictions, meaning emergency vehicles, school buses and trucks can safely get across the tracks using the bridge.
“The project replaces a structure designed and built for a century in our past,” said senior project engineer Sarang Lagvankar. “The new bridge brings benefits and enhancements forward to the 21st century. Not only will trucks and emergency vehicles be able to use the bridge, but so will other motorists wishing to conveniently travel between the north and south sides of our downtown.”
This project was funded in large part by federal and state agencies, DuPage County and Union Pacific Railroad, which Wheaton officials said greatly reduced the cost for the city’s share of the project. In total, the project cost $12 million, $1 million of which was the city’s responsibility.
“The city greatly appreciates the patience and cooperation of the residents and business owners who have been inconvenienced the past two years during construction of this major public improvement project,” said Paul Redman, city of Wheaton director of engineering.
“We hope that they will now enjoy the many decades of use the bridge will provide them and others into the future.
Illinois Prairie Path - News
The project also involved reconstructing the Illinois Prairie Path pedestrian bridge. Those familiar with the bridge may notice the addition of a stoplight where Manchester Road, Bridge Street and Wesley Street intersect.
In this case, the Illinois Department of Transportation is the primary entity working with local supporters of the path. “If an agency grants you funding, and you (walk away) from that commitment, the agency is less likely to grant you funding in the
While the trail is closed, pedestrians and cyclists should take the detour in place along the Illinois Prairie Path and Weisbrook Road. Equestrians should avoid the area entirely and use other county trails. Maps outlining the detour are in place at
5 TAKE A HIKE Weather permitting, the Illinois Prairie Path provides 62 miles of hiking, biking and nature paths for the family to enjoy on Father's Day. Built on the former right-of-way for the old Chicago Aurora and Elgin electric railroad, the path
Three signs near the Illinois Prairie Path and Seminole Street and Vallette Street and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks also were spray-painted. • A white cross and other graffiti was spray-painted on the Jackson Street lift station.
ActiveTravels | get up & go! - Bike the Illinois Prairie Path, Chicago
Once home to the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin electric railroad, this former line would still be collecting dust if it wasn’t for a forward-thinking teacher who pictured it as a gateway for recreation. Now the 62-mile trail in suburban Chicago is one of the longest paved trails in the rail-to-trail network. Snaking through Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties, the most scenic stretch is the 14-mile Elgin Spur. Heading southeast from Elgin to Wheaton, the trail snakes through forest, wetlands and an equestrian center.
it looks like you could take the Illinois prairie path into forest/oak park..then bike into the city from there.
Started my morning off with a run on the Illinois Prairie Path. I love the suburbs. I love being Illinois Prairie Path - Bookshelf
Short Bike Rides in and Around Chicago
Illinois Prairie Path Number of miles: Approximate pedaling time: Terrain: Traffic: Things to see: Food and facilities: 20.6 4 hours Flat, limestone None ...Rail-Trails Midwest Great Lakes
Illinois Prairie Path The Illinois Prairie Path (IPP) is one of the country's first rail-trail conversions. It consists of five connected trail segments ...Illinois Hiking and Backpacking Trails
Trail Length: 40 miles (64 kilometers) Location: The Illinois Prairie Path is located in northeastern Illinois. The trail is shaped like the letter Y; ...A Guide to Mountain Bike Trails in Illinois
Pecatonica Prairie Path trail sign 3 Harts Road access, Prairie Trail North ... The Illinois Prairie Path 69 Historic CA&E bridge, The Illinois Prairie Path ...Illinois Off the Beaten Path, 9th
Especially pleasant is the Illinois Prairie Path, beginning in Elmhurst at York Road ... For a color map, send $6.00 to Illinois Prairie Path, PO Box 1086, ...Helpful Articles Directory
Illinois Prairie Path
55-mile-long biking, hiking, jogging, equestrian, and nature trail in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties.
Illinois Prairie Path - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Illinois Prairie Path (often called the Prairie Path and ... The Illinois Prairie Path consists of three distinct branches originating from a point just west of downtown ...
The Illinois Prairie Path - About-Bicycles
The Illinois Prairie Path, descriptions and photos, Elgin Branch and Geneva Spur
Illinois Prairie Path | Illinois Trails | TrailLink.com
The Illinois Prairie Path (IPP) is one of the country's first rail-trail conversions. ... The Illinois Prairie Path's 17-mile main branch is the most urban of its corridors. ...
Illinois Prairie Path - Wheaton, IL
12 Reviews of Illinois Prairie Path "If you donn't like this path, you're a stooge! It has just about everything a biker coudl want, except for some challenging ...