Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Grade Separation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Villa Park board declines to approve nearly $1 million phase‑1 engineering contract for Ardmore grade separation
Summary
A proposed professional engineering agreement with CDM Smith for up to $997,733 to perform phase 1 engineering for a Union Pacific grade separation at Ardmore Avenue failed after trustees questioned total project cost and long-term funding prospects; residents urged pursuing a pedestrian-only alternative.
The Village Board on July 23 voted down a resolution to approve a professional engineering agreement with CDM Smith Inc. for phase 1 preliminary engineering services for a proposed Union Pacific Railroad grade separation at Ardmore Avenue, an agreement not to exceed $997,733 (agenda item 13g).
Manager Rivas summarized that the village previously performed a feasibility study identifying Ardmore as the most suitable location for a grade separation and that the village had received confirmation of an Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) grant to help offset phase 1 engineering costs. Trustee Cozart moved the motion; a second was made but the transcript does not identify the seconder by name.
Trustees expressed concern about the phase‑1 engineering price and especially the likely construction cost if the project proceeds. Trustee Kumar said future out-of-pocket construction costs could range broadly and would likely exceed the village’s current capacity; a staff comment estimated potential construction costs could range from about $10 million to $40 million depending on scope. Trustee Cozart and Trustee Cordova both said they were hesitant to proceed at this time. Trustee Cordova voiced concern that turning down the grant or phase 1 could jeopardize future funding opportunities but also acknowledged the high price of the study.
Public commenters who spoke earlier in the meeting had urged caution or alternatives. Joe Amore disputed some assumptions in the contractor CDM Smith’s presentation and recommended staff return with an evaluation focused on a pedestrian underpass rather than the full vehicular separation. Larry Hebert urged delaying a costly study, saying federal funding is uncertain and that spending about $1 million on engineering now could be premature.
When put to a roll-call vote the resolution failed: Trustee Cordova voted yes, Trustees Cozart, Kumar and Sabri voted no and the resolution did not pass.
