Pact paves way for pedestrian bridge in Plainfield
By Madhu mayer Correspondent October 30, 2012 11:30AM
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Updated: November 3, 2012 5:46PM
The Plainfield Village Board has reached an agreement with a landowner to allow for the relocation of utilities required for construction of the Lockport Street pedestrian bridge in downtown.
The board Monday authorized Mayor Michael Collins to execute a plat of easement and agreement as it relates to the property at 15104 S. James St. The agreement also authorizes the payment of $1,050, which is an appraised value, plus legal fees, not to exceed $500, to Dr. Joseph Conklin, who owns the building on the east side of the DuPage River.
“As a result of the relocation work required by ComEd for the pedestrian bridge, the village needed to acquire an easement from the property owner,” said Randall Jessen, superintendent of public works.
The bridge project will be financed through a $1 million state capital grant, along with money from the village’s capital account.
The village board this summer also adopted a resolution for the use of motor fuel tax funds for construction engineering for sidewalk, pedestrian bridge and street lighting construction, not to exceed $115,000. The funds also will be used for construction inspection to make sure right materials are used, said Allen Persons, public works director.
The construction of the pedestrian walkway over the DuPage River is expected to provide an important connection between the downtown business district, Riverfront Park, Settlers’ Park, Village Hall and the Pace bus stop, Persons said. Work will also include decorative street lighting from Village Center Drive near Village Hall to James Street, pathway connections and utility relocation.
The bridge is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Candice Ehrlers of Plainfield said she cannot wait to use the pedestrian bridge.
“Right now when I go jogging on Lockport Street, it gets a little tricky between Route 126 and Van Dyke Road,” she said. “There really isn’t a safe path for joggers/pedestrians.”
