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Council weighs removing or replacing Sheridan Road pedestrian bridge at Bowen Park
Summary
Councilors and staff discussed options for the deteriorated pedestrian bridge over Sheridan Road at Bowen Park (7th Ward), including removal with an at‑grade crossing, installing a HAWK beacon or push‑button signal, or full replacement (previous 2019 study estimated replacement at about $10 million due to ADA requirements). No vote was taken; staff will consult IDOT, school and park districts and return with options.
Councilors spent most of the meeting discussing the deteriorated pedestrian bridge that crosses Sheridan Road by Bowen Park in the city’s seventh ward, weighing removal, at‑grade crossings and the possibility of a new, more durable and aesthetic replacement.
Staff opened the presentation by noting the bridge is in very poor condition and said the city will work with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the park district, the school district and nearby residents to evaluate options and outreach. Councilors raised questions about prior attempts to remove the bridge, whether IDOT would require new traffic controls, and who should be responsible for ongoing maintenance given the bridge mainly serves the park and nearby schools.
Alderman Florian urged that the park district or school district be involved because the bridge largely serves Bowen Park and school crossings. Alderman Hayes emphasized that if the city keeps the responsibility, any replacement should be architecturally thoughtful and built to avoid recurring rust or visual blight. Several councilors said removal was a likely outcome if the structure proves too costly to replace.
Staff cited a 2019 assessment by Seorba that recommended removal and estimated a full ADA‑compliant replacement would cost roughly $10 million because lifts, ramps and other features would be required. Councilors discussed lower‑cost at‑grade alternatives such as a HAWK beacon or a push‑button crossing but noted flashing beacons do not guarantee drivers will stop; staff said they would seek IDOT’s guidance on safe crossing controls.
No formal motion was taken on the bridge. Staff said there are slides documenting the bridge’s current condition and will return to council with options, cost estimates and stakeholder outreach results before any formal vote.
