Project Status Update – Bridge and Roadway Remain Closed

The bridge remains part of an active construction site and is not yet open to the public.   While many structural components, including the Hot-Mix Asphalt roadway surface, are substantially complete, several critical items must be finalized prior to the safe opening of the roadway and pedestrian facilities.

Remaining Work Includes:

  • Landscape restoration
  • Installation of permanent pavement markings
  • Guardrail installation
  • Installation of safety-related pedestrian handrails
  • Completion of final punch list items

Safety Notice:
Although the concrete parapet walls have been installed, they are only 28 inches in height and do not meet minimum safety standards.  Until the permanent handrails are installed and all safety measures are in place, both vehicular and pedestrian access to the bridge will remain restricted.

Project Progress:
The contractor has remained active throughout the winter months and, as a result, is ahead of the original September 2025 completion schedule.  The project team continues working diligently to complete all remaining work and open the bridge to the public as soon as it is safe to do so.

We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we work to complete this important infrastructure project safely and efficiently.

Final Surface Paving and Bridge Deck Finishing

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor milled the canoe launch parking lot and completed placement of the final lift of hot mix asphalt surface course for the roadway, shoulder, driveway, and parking lot. Tree planting was also completed across the site. On the bridge, the contractor grooved the deck and applied a protective coating to the bridge deck, curb, and sidewalk, finalizing surface treatments for those elements.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work

Next week, the contractor plans to begin landscape restoration throughout the project area and will begin grading along the edge of the roadway.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Binder Course Placement and Site Prep Progress

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor completed excavation for the paved shoulder and placed and fine-graded the aggregate subgrade. Backfilling of the barrier curb was also completed. Two lifts of asphalt binder course were placed for the roadway, shoulder, and the driveway to the canoe launch parking lot.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work

Next week, the contractor plans to mill the existing pavement from the canoe launch parking lot and place the final lift of asphalt surface course. This will include the roadway, shoulder, driveway to the parking lot, and the parking lot itself. Landscape restoration is also scheduled to begin, including tree planting throughout the site.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Pavement Prep and Utility Installation Completed

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor saw cut the pavement removal limits on Oak Spring Road in preparation for upcoming roadway work. In addition, the utility company subcontractor for MCI completed the replacement of the underground conduit and fiber optic cable along the south side of the project area.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work

Next week, the contractor plans to backfill behind the curb and begin grading the roadway shoulder. Landscape restoration is also anticipated to begin, including tree planting throughout the project site.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Curb, Sidewalk, and Subgrade Work

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor completed fine grading of the aggregate subgrade for the roadway. Aggregate subgrade was also placed for the proposed sidewalk, and the aggregate base course for the barrier curb was installed. Framing and pouring of both the concrete curb and concrete sidewalk were completed.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work

Next week, the utility company subcontractor for MCI is scheduled to complete the installation of underground conduit and fiber optic cable along the south side of the project.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Roadway Subgrade and Aggregate Placement Progress

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor continued hauling concrete forms and winter protection blankets from the job site. Grading was completed down to the roadway subgrade, and aggregate was placed in preparation for the proposed HMA pavement and curb & gutter.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work (Weather Dependent)

Next week, the contractor anticipates completing the clearing and hauling of the remaining materials from the site. Work is also scheduled to continue with the placement of aggregate subgrade for the proposed sidewalk. Weather permitting, the framing and pouring of the concrete curb & gutter and concrete sidewalk will begin.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Site Cleanup and Roadway Grading Begins

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor completed clearing and hauling the remaining concrete forms from the jobsite. Rip rap placement around the abutments and flared end sections was also finalized. Grading work began in preparation for the new roadway.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work (Weather Dependent)

Next week, the contractor plans to continue grading for the roadway and begin placing the aggregate subgrade, weather permitting.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Storm Sewer and Rip Rap Placement Progress

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor installed storm sewer frames and grates and completed backfilling along the retaining walls. Work also began on placing rip rap around the abutments and flared end sections.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work (Weather Dependent)

Next week, the contractor plans to clear and haul the remaining concrete forms from the jobsite. Weather permitting, rip rap placement around the abutments and flared end sections will be completed. Grading of the site is also anticipated to begin as conditions allow.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Parapet Wall Finishing and Site Preparation

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

This week, the contractor continued work on the parapet wall by caulking the exterior faces of both the north and south walls.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work (Weather Dependent)

Next week, the contractor plans to clear and haul remaining concrete forms from the job site. Weather permitting, grading operations are anticipated to begin, along with the completion of rip rap placement around the abutments.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.

Temporary Pause and Upcoming Site Work

Week in Review: Accomplishments and Progress

No work was performed this week due to weather conditions.

Looking Ahead: Planned Work

Next week, the contractor anticipates clearing and hauling the remaining concrete forms from the job site. Once weather conditions improve, grading will begin to prepare the site for the next construction phase. Additionally, the contractor plans to complete the placement of rip rap around the abutments to enhance stability.

Community Impact: What to Expect

With the road closure now in effect, residents should be aware that Oak Spring Road from east of the Des Plaines River Trail to west of Hawthorn Lane is closed to traffic for the duration of the project. This closure is necessary to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. Your patience and understanding are greatly appreciated as work to improve the community’s infrastructure continues. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the project’s progress and any anticipated changes in traffic patterns.