Bridging the Ike

The Village is leading a federally funded study examining the existing conditions and future possibilities for I-290 bridge crossings within Oak Park. The Bridging the Ike initiative is the latest effort by Village officials to plan for future reconstruction of the Eisenhower Expressway with the goal of further connecting portions of Oak Park bisected when the expressway opened in 1960. The study will build upon decades of discussions and planning, including the 2005 Cap the Ike Feasibility Study and the Illinois Department of Transportation’s more recent preliminary design for the I-290 reconstruction project, which will stretch from Mannheim Road to Racine Avenue at a still unspecified date.

Opportunities for expanded bridge decking over I-290 could yield new development, public plazas and park spaces over the expressway. The Bridging the Ike study aims to examine community needs related to safety, roadway improvements, connectivity and the best uses for any newly created spaces on expanded bridge decks.

All community members are welcome to learn about the Bridging the Ike study and participate in the planning process. An initial public information meeting will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tues., April 7 in the Rubinstein Community Room at the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St. Additional opportunities to participate in the planning process will be shared on this page as the initiative progresses.