Elmhurst Pedestrian Bridge Plan To Be Unveiled

ELMHURST, IL – The pedestrian bridge over Route 83 in north Elmhurst appears to be getting closer to reality.

The city plans an open house on the project from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday at City Hall. The bridge is known as the "Cricket Creek Connection."

The plan is to build an 8- to 10-foot-wide path from West Avenue to the south side of Fay Avenue. That would connect to a 14-foot-wide bridge over Route 83.

The project would be within DuPage County's Cricket Creek Forest Preserve and on city-owned right-of-way.

Residents are invited to review exhibits and ask questions.

No property acquisition is expected for the project.

The bridge is expected to be similar to the one for the Prairie Path in south Elmhurst.

For years, the northern pedestrian bridge has been in the city's plans.

Officials say residents have requested better access across Route 83 for pedestrians and cyclists. A bridge would give them a link to the Salt Creek Greenway Trail and the Cricket Creek Forest Preserve.

The new connection would also increase pedestrian and bicyclist safety to and from Berens Park.

Last October, the City Council voted for an agreement with the state for designing the bridge. The engineering will cost $300,000, with the city paying $38,000.

Last year, the city said the bridge would cost an estimated $2.6 million, with $1.9 million coming from outside grants. Officials have said they may be able to get more outside money before the work starts.