The project also entailed the widening of Orchard Road from a two-lane to a four-lane divided highway and created a temporary bypass road, which served approximately 28,000 commuters daily. Additionally, BB&A designed a 4.1 acre foot stormwater detention facility, closed drainage system and piping.
In order to detour trains during construction, a shoofly railroad bridge and track was constructed prior to the construction of the mainline bridge.
The pedestrian bridge structure carried the Gilman Trail over Orchard Road, including the alignment of the bike/pedestrian trails through the project site. The 150-foot bridge links up with the bike pathway system serving Kane County and Aurora.
The project was successful in meeting the needs of the client and the community. BB&A designed an aesthetic landmark that enhances the beauty and value of the surrounding environment. Safety was addressed with the design and construction of the grade separation structures and the widening of Orchard Road. BB&A also met the flood control of the area with the creation of a stormwater detention facility at the project site.
Client
Kane County DOT
Location
Aurora, Illinois
Awards
ACEC National Finalist
The at-grade crossing at Orchard Road was unsafe for motorists and for pedestrians using the Gilman Trail Bike Path, and delays were frequent as long freight trains crossed Orchard Road. BB&A constructed grade separation structures for both the railroad and pedestrian path while maintaining all traffic modes.
