Pedestrian Bridge Project
Tri-State Tollway (I-294)
Pedestrian Bridge Project
In coordination with the Village of Hinsdale, the Village of Western Springs and the Western Springs Park District, the Illinois Tollway is building a new pedestrian bridge over the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294), to maintain a convenient connection between Hinsdale and Western Springs for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The pedestrian bridge is being relocated from its current location near Ogden Avenue to a new site adjacent to 47th Street selected by the Villages of Hinsdale and Western Springs.
The new bridge will be built prior to the old bridge’s removal to allow for full pedestrian access throughout construction.
The $8 million I-294 Pedestrian Bridge Project is part of the Central Tri-State Tollway Project. Work on the Pedestrian Bridge Project is scheduled to be complete in 2023.
Construction Update (3/3/23)
The new Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Pedestrian Bridge adjacent to 47th Street is open for public use.
Please check the Daily Construction Alert for up-to-date closure information and exact times.
Customer Impacts
Construction signage will be put in place to alert pedestrian users and bicyclists, when necessary, at both the new pedestrian bridge location and at the existing pedestrian bridge.
On 47th Street, a traffic shift will be in place through 2022. All traffic on the 47th Street Bridge will be shifted onto the eastbound side of the road and reduced to a single lane in both directions.
On I-294, lane and shoulder closures will be put in place provide a work zone and safely accommodate construction. Whenever possible, the Tollway uses traffic shifts and shoulders to keep as many lanes open during peak hours as were available before construction.
Purpose
To accommodate roadway and infrastructure improvements planned as part of the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) Project, the Illinois Tollway is relocating the I-294 Pedestrian Bridge.
The new, pedestrian bridge will be constructed on the north side of 47th Street, conveniently linking Veeck Park in Hinsdale and Spring Rock Park in Western Springs, to provide a connection to existing paths in both parks as preferred by the communities and park district.
Local Coordination
The I-294 Pedestrian Bridge Project was developed in consultation with Hinsdale, Western Springs and the Western Springs Park District.
The site selection process led by the communities incorporated input from more than 1,000 residents through online surveys in addition to local public meetings and resulted in the decision to relocate the bridge to the new side adjacent to 47th Street.
The Tollway worked with the municipalities and the park district to develop the design for the new pedestrian bridge and to include landscape restoration and improvements at both locations in the project.
Both villages have agreed to share the future cost of maintenance of the enhanced railings on the bridge, as well as routine maintenance of the bridge surface.
Work Zone Safety
The Illinois Tollway is committed to ensuring that 47th Street, the Central Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the nearby park areas remain safe for residents, drivers and workers during construction, which is part of the agency’s overall commitment to roadway safety.
Work zone speed limits are in effect in all construction zones 24/7 and drivers should continue to watch for changing traffic patterns and use caution, especially when workers are present. On I-294, a 45 mph work zone speed limit is in effect throughout the construction season.