Lack of Funding a Hurdle in Harlem Bridge Replacement Project

Oak Park Village President Anan Abu-Taleb will meet with leaders from Forest Park and River Forest this week to discuss an engineering study and the need for funding for the communities' joint, $19 million Harlem Avenue bridge replacement project.

The three communities in 2008 joined forces to secure an $800,000 grant for an engineering study of the bridge, which hasn't changed much since it was built in the 1920s. The project would include replacement of the Union Pacific Railroad bridge over Harlem Avenue and roadway improvements, according to a village staff memo.

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The study, however, is the only part of the $19 million project that has been funded, which was among trustees' concerns Monday. 

"I have to assume there's a possibility there won't be any funding going forward and that (the project) just might never progress," Trustee Adam Salzman said. "My concern is that this might end up being a 'bridge to nowhere' kind of a situation."

David Shannon, a project manager from H.W. Lochner—the engineering firm hired to do the study—said the project was originally funded through earmarks, which have been recently nixed by Congress. 

"There are a lot of people in my industry scratching their heads... about how projects at this level are going to be funded going forward," Shannon said. 

The project is not scheduled to proceed to the next design phase as part of a federal program, according to the memo. In order to move forward, the project would require a "major investment" from the Federal Highway Administration, along with commitment and support from the three communities sharing the right-of-way. 

Abu-Taleb said he and leaders from Forest Park and River Forest have considered meeting with Congressman Danny Davis to discuss funding for the project. 

"We have an opportunity to make a dent on a section that really matters to these three communities a great deal," he said. 

Trustees also shared concerns about safety at the downtown intersections adjacent to the bridge as a result of the lowering of its 14-foot clearance, and that the project would require the village to give up a small chunk of land in a prime spot for future development.

Trustee Colette Lueck said while no one would disagree the area in question is a horrible intersection, "For us to give up a big chunk of that corner when we're in the middle of trying to plan development for that corner is a major... complicated issue.

"I don't understand what it is (that) we're supposed to do with that piece of property, based on the plan you've given us," she said.

A village steering committee with meet with H.W. Lochner to discuss the study before a final draft is prepared. The village will also hold a public hearing on the overall project before final documents are prepared for review and approval, according to the village.