New Tri-State Tollway Pedestrian Bridge Opens for Hinsdale and Western Springs

New Tri-State Tollway Pedestrian Bridge Opens for Hinsdale and Western Springs

Officials from the Illinois Tollway, Western Springs and Hinsdale announced that walkers, runners and bikers will have access to the new Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Pedestrian Bridge adjacent to 47th Street on Wednesday, December 14. 

The Illinois Tollway is turning over the new pedestrian bridge crossing to local officials ahead of schedule, offering a new convenient connection between Veeck Park and Spring Rock Park and community pathways for pedestrians and bicyclists. 

“We are pleased that the Illinois Tollway is working to keep communities connected while improving access to local parks and resources,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse. “This is a great example of the efforts the Tollway is making to keep people at the forefront of planning and construction as we rebuild the Central Tri-State Tollway.”

The pedestrian bridge crossing was relocated from its location near Ogden Avenue to the new location adjacent to 47th Street selected by the villages following public input from residents and both village boards in 2019 to accommodate the $4 billion Central Tri-State Tollway Project. 

“The village board consistently looks for ways to make Western Springs more walkable and bike friendly,” said Western Springs Village President Alice Gallagher. “This bridge is the result of collaborative planning between the village, the Western Springs Park District, the Tollway and Hinsdale. It is an excellent example of how transportation infrastructure improvements can provide more multi-modal travel options and better connect neighboring communities.”

“We are very appreciative of the Tollway’s willingness to acknowledge the value of a pedestrian bridge to both Hinsdale and Western Springs residents,” added Hinsdale Village President Tom Cauley. “The attractive new bridge, which connects parks in the two communities, will no doubt be a favorite of bike riders, walker and joggers.”

The Tollway started construction on the I-294 Pedestrian Bridge Project in September 2021, with the new prefabricated steel pedestrian bridge structure originally scheduled to be moved into place in spring 2023. 

Information about the I-294 Pedestrian Bridge Project is available in the Projects section on the Tollway’s website.

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