The new Kimball Street Bridge won't be anything out of the ordinary. It will be a simple traditional design with many improvements that will delight motorists.
Residents had the opportunity to preview the project during a recent information session on the $34.8 million bridge replacement project.
“We looked at a lot of alternative designs, non-traditional bridges to what you see in the area. We did it not necessarily expecting to build a landmark bridge or a landmark bridge, but we wanted to explore it,” said Mike Pubenz, director of public services, who was on hand to answer questions at the meeting.
Some of the alternative projects were not suitable for the area or were expensive, Pubenz said.
“What you'll see is what you call a traditional bridge. A beam bridge on piers with a concrete deck on top,” Pubenz said. “What we'll be focusing on is trying to add some unique features like lighting and pedestrian visibility,” he said.
The Kimball Street Bridge carries 20,000 vehicles daily over the Fox River. Recent inspections have shown that the bridge is safe but needs to be replaced.
The bridge reconstruction includes improvements such as a new lane configuration.
An additional westbound right turn lane will be added on Kimball Street to northbound Highway 31, and the roadway will be aligned with Lawrence Avenue. A sidewalk will be added to the north side of the bridge.
Unique lighting and pedestrian views of the Fox River are also included, Pubentz said.
The project will construct a new Fox River Trail underpass. There is no designated trail crossing on Kimball Street. Anyone using it must cross a busy street to get to the other side of the trail.
Pubenz said the city has completed 70% of Phase I. Phase I consists in part of engineering, environmental studies and public meetings. One of the last steps in this phase is to obtain final approval for the project from the City Council.
“We will begin Phase II design in 2026,” Pubenz said. Phase II includes more detailed information and preparation for bidding.
Overall, the project is going smoothly, Pubenz said.
According to him, the feedback from city residents is positive. Pubenz said people had questions about some elements of the project, such as what the new railroad crossing would look like.
“There appears to be interest in the Fox River Trail underpass,” Pubenz said. “When we told people we were going to add this, it was received pretty well. It's a nice convenience.”
Residents have the opportunity to share their feedback on cityofelginbridges.org until December 12.
At the same time, the city is also completing Phase I of the East Chicago Street Bridge replacement design. Construction of the Kimball Street Bridge is scheduled for 2028. Construction of the Chicago Street Bridge is scheduled for 2029.
