About the Project

The existing Washington Street Bridge has two lanes in each direction with sidewalks on either side. The bridge is a critical component of the downtown infrastructure as it provides important vehicle and pedestrian access across the West Branch of the DuPage River to the downtown area when approaching from the south. The existing structure is a 3-span PPC deck beam bridge that was originally constructed in 1928. It carries 2 – 11-foot lanes and an 8-foot sidewalk in each direction. The superstructure was replaced in 1977 and overlaid in 2004. This project will completely remove the existing structure and replace it with a two-span post tensioned concrete slab structure. The bridge replacement will include improvements to the Riverwalk and structure aesthetics. Additional enhancements of the project include intersection improvements at Aurora Avenue and Washington Street and utility upgrades with a new 12 inch water main, sanitary syphon and electrical duct bank that will all cross under the river. This Washington Street Bridge is integrated with the diverse community businesses, restaurants and residences that surround it. Fredenhagen Park is to the north of the bridge, and both businesses and residential homes are to the south. The popular Riverwalk that runs along the south side of the DuPage River also continues under the south side of the bridge.