Short Street Bridge Earns Transportation Project of the Year Accolade

from the Village of Lisle

The Lisle has been selected as the “2012 Transportation Project of the Year” by the Suburban Branch of the Chicago Metro Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The earned the award in the category of projects totaling less than $5 million. The award recognizes excellence in completing Public Works projects and the positive working relationships that were formed between the Village, engineer and contractor.

The new bridge’s superior design solves problems and provides the public with a number of positive benefits. The old bridge’s center pier - which often collected debris, was difficult to maintain and blocked parts of the water - was eliminated. The new construction results in an open waterway which increases the safety and the enjoyment of people using the East Branch of the DuPage River for water sports. The bridge was also widened to include multi-use paths on the north side and a sidewalk on the south side so the public can comfortably walk, jog or ride bikes across the bridge. Prairie style design elements and the use of native plantings were used to reflect and complement Lisle’s brand as “The Arboretum Village.”

The existing bridge, built in 1974, was deteriorating, unsightly, difficult to maintain and needed to be replaced. However, it served as a major entrance to the 110-acre Community Park, the Park District, the Lisle High School, the College West Business Park, the Police Station and festivals such as the popular Eyes to the Skies Hot Air Balloon Festival. Since the detour route was long and inconvenient, it was important to complete the project in a timely manner. The project totaled $1,450,000, coming in just under budget. Construction began in March 2011 and was completed in early August 2011 just prior to the start of the school year.

The project engineer was Bollinger, Lach & Associates and the contractor was Herlihy Mid-Continent Company.