About the Project

mapMap of Proposed Bridge Site

New! Second Project Webcam

Located along the northern edge of St. Charles, the new Red Gate Bridge will extend Red Gate Road across the Fox River to Route 25 south of Pinelands Road.  The new bridge will feature a two-lane car deck and pedestrian walkway that will connect a bike trail from St. Charles North High School across the river to the Fox River Trail near Pinelands Road.  

Red Gate Bridge will serve existing and future community growth and:

  • Improve community connections between the east and west sides of northern St. Charles
  • Reduce traffic volumes and congestion on Illinois 64 (IL 64)/Main Street Bridge
  • Improve emergency vehicle access in northern St. Charles and the surrounding area, while enhancing system continuity and operations

The total budget for the bridge project is $30 million. Funding comes from grants, monies that already have been set aside for the project, and a bond issuance. No new taxes are needed to fund this project.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

All public projects have a community - individuals and organizations within that community may have an interest or "stake" in the project. Local communities have much to offer - ideas, values, creativity, and strategies for success. Engaging stakeholders in early, frequent, and meaningful exchange of ideas will help to ensure that the project meets the needs and improves the safety and mobility of the community.

Context Sensitive Solutions (CSS) is a design approach that invites stakeholders to contribute in developing a facility that preserves and enhances the scenic, economic, historic, and natural qualities of the project setting its "context". The input provided by stakeholders early in the process through design workshops and informational meetings allows the designers to address the needs and concerns of the community. A flexible design approach coupled with this understanding of the community and the landscape early in the design process will provide a completed project tailored to the needs of the community. Stakeholders included:

* Residents of St. Charles and the surrounding communities

* Leaders and elected officials of those communities

* Public safety officials

* Local schools and school districts

* Local businesses

* Environmental interest groups

 The initial Public Meeting for this project was in November 2005, at the beginning of Phase 1. A Public Hearing for the Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Evaluation was held on December 15, 2009. Documents that were presented at the December 15, 2009 Public Hearing are available on this website.  

Oral and written comments were received as part of the public involvement process at the Public Hearing on December 15, 2009. The City of St. Charles, along with their consultant, Wills Burke Kelsey Associates, Ltd., posted responses to the questions and comments received.