NEWS

from the Illinois Senate

State Senator Susan Garrett

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2008

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Susan Garrett (847) 433-2002

OLD ELM BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN

HIGHWOOD, Illinois – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has notified State Senator Susan Garrett (D - Lake Forest) that the Department accepted a bid last week to reconstruct the bridge on Old Elm Road over the Skokie River in Lake Forest. The work is expected to begin in June and should be finished in December. The bridge is located on Old Elm Road just west of Green Bay Road.

The proposed improvement involves replacing the existing structure, which was originally built in 1925. The bridge currently has posted weight restrictions based on the calculated capacity of the load-carrying parts of the structure. The weight restriction does not imply that the existing structure is unsafe; rather, it is intended to minimize the stresses on the bridge until reconstruction can take place.

When the construction begins in June, through traffic will be directed to a detour route that will go north along IL Route 41 and Sheridan Road to Westleigh Road. A map is available on the City of Lake Forest website at http://cityoflakeforest.com/cs/cdev/cs_cd2l.htm#Old_Elm_Road_Bridge.

“The reconstruction of the Old Elm bridge is just another step in the city’s ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure,” said Lake Forest Mayor Michael Rummel. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of all residents during this important improvement project.”

Of the $1.2 million cost of the bridge reconstruction, 80% is being funded by the Federal Transportation Spending Authorization (SAFETEA-LU) program, 10% by the City of Lake Forest, and 10% by the City of Highland Park. IDOT is coordinating the project.