Committee endorses two multiuse-path ITEP applications for Eola Road and Ogden Avenue

Aurora Public Works presented two projects shortlisted for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Cycle 16: an Eola Road multiuse path and an Ogden Avenue connection to the Southern DuPage Regional Trail. The committee authorized the mayor to reserve and appropriate funds needed to pursue both grant applications.

Rupa Janapa, public works engineering, said the Eola Road project would extend the existing multiuse path to the Waubonsee Creek Trail and estimated the total project cost at about $3.75 million with construction around $2.89 million; engineering and front-funded costs would need to be advanced by the city because ITEP operates on a reimbursement model. "The overall cost of the project is estimated to be 3,750,000.00, and the construction cost is about 2.89 millions," Janapa said. Staff estimated the city would need to front roughly $1.4 million in engineering and initial costs and could expect about 80% reimbursement if the grant is awarded.

Janapa said the Ogden Avenue project would create a key connection between Montgomery Road and the Southern DuPage Trail where no multiuse path currently exists; staff noted multiple citizen requests for the connection. Committee members asked about timing and whether projects should be scheduled to avoid school-session traffic impacts; staff said the city would consider construction timing in scheduling if awarded.

Both motions to reserve funds for the grant applications carried at committee.