FAQs
What is the purpose of the project?
The purpose of the study is to examine community needs for expanded bridge crossings over I-290 with a focus on safety, roadway improvements, mobility and connectivity. The Village is looking at opportunities that could widen bridges to yield new development, public plazas and park space as potential scenarios.
Which bridge crossings are being considered for expanded bridge decking?
Currently the study is focused on East Avenue, Oak Park Ave and Lombard Street. These locations were identified over time through the Cap the Ike feasibility study completed in 2005 and through coordination with IDOT in its preliminary design of the future I-290 reconstruction project. See the next question and answer for additional information. The other bridges are also planned for future reconstruction, though they are not the focus of this study.
How does this project relate to the Cap the Ike Study completed in 2005?
The Cap the Ike Feasibility Study completed in 2005 involved coordination with the community and stakeholders to identify a preferred concept for reconnecting the community using highway caps over I-290. The preferred concept was further developed in 2016 during the development of the Letter of Intent with IDOT regarding future improvements along I-290. IDOT’s preliminary design for the future I-290 reconstruction project identified where and how big potential caps could be based on drainage, vertical clearances and other constraints. Three locations for potential expanded bridge decking have been identified as Oak Park Avenue, East Avenue and Lombard Street. The current study will build on the previous efforts by identifying preferred concepts for the potential expanded bridge decking.
When will this project be completed?
No target has been identified yet. The project is in the early planning stage as a Planning and Environmental (PEL) Linkages Study. The goal of the PEL is to identify alternatives that the Village of Oak Park and IDOT can continue working towards in future preliminary engineering and final design efforts. Any proposed construction work resulting from this study will be dependent on factors including IDOT’s timeline for reconstructing I-290 and funding availability.
How much will the bridge improvements cost?
While an order of magnitude cost projection will be examined, no budget has been determined for the project at this time.
Who is responsible for the project? Who is funding the project?
Bridging the Ike is federally funded for the Planning and Environmental (PEL) Linkages Study phase. It is being closely coordinated with the Illinois Department of Transportation, which is currently planning the future reconstruction of the I-290 corridor. Future phases of the project including preliminary design, final design and construction are not currently funded. The current phase of the project will include an exploration of potential funding mechanisms.
What are potential impacts on adjacent properties?
Throughout the planning process the Village and the consultant team will be reaching out to neighbors and key stakeholders to gain their specific concerns and input into alternatives that are prepared.
What are the next steps in the project and the public outreach process? And how do I provide input?
The Engage Oak Park project page at www.engageoakpark.com/ike will be the primary distributor of media and information regarding the project. The project page will include project updates and a place for comments to be shared.