Lake County Gazette

The Waukegan City Council, during its meeting on June 30, decided to change the funding source for the reconstruction of the Greenwood Avenue Bridge. The project will now be financed through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan instead of using funds from the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax.

According to the city council's agenda, members followed a staff recommendation to switch the funding source for both engineering services and construction phases of the bridge project. The engineering services are estimated at $230,965, while the city's share of construction costs is approximately $1.34 million.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) states that the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan will allocate $33.2 billion over six years towards transportation projects. This investment is expected to support around 540,000 jobs throughout its duration.

An IDOT local project report indicates that the Greenwood Avenue over Union Pacific Railroad Bridge project involves replacing the current bridge and resurfacing or reconstructing roadway approaches. The existing structure is considered structurally deficient and in poor condition. Reconstruction aims to enhance vehicular traffic safety, improve ride quality, and reduce future maintenance expenses.

The report further details that the new structure will feature single-span, precast, prestressed concrete beams with an elevated profile for Greenwood Avenue. It will include a 12-foot lane in each direction and a 12-foot eastbound right turn lane separated by an 18-foot flush striped median. A 2-foot shoulder on both sides will connect to a proposed gutter system. The median design allows for an eastbound turn lane when Waukegan extends Pershing Road northward.

Additionally, a proposed 10-foot multi-use path on both sides of the bridge is planned. Construction is expected to be completed within one season, with IDOT planning to let the project in September.