The Village is proud to announce that the American Public Works Association (APWA) - Suburban Branch has selected the Taylor Avenue Pedestrian Underpass as the Public Works Project of the Year Award. The project was selected in the transportation category of less than $5 million.
The APWA Public Works Project of the Year Award was established to promote excellence in the management and administration of public works projects. This award recognizes the alliance between the managing agency, the consultant/architect/engineer, and the contractor who, working together, complete Public Works projects.
The Taylor Avenue Pedestrian Underpass project, a $3.1 million project, was substantially funded through a Federal Surface Transportation Program grant. Opened to the public on December 31, 2018, the project was substantially completed on time with the Village’s share of project costs remaining on budget. The project, located on the east side of Taylor Avenue at the existing underpass of the Union Pacific Railroad West Line, created a grade-separated pedestrian crossing of the railroad for safer and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian accommodation. Additionally, it improved vehicular maneuverability through the existing underpass by removing the sidewalk to maximize the roadway width. This element is particularly relevant for access of public safety vehicles to improve emergency service response times. The underpass now serves as a safer, more accessible connector for both pedestrians and motorists.
The APWA Suburban Branch will also endorse and submit a nomination of this project for the next level of competition, at the chapter level which includes all of the Chicagoland metropolitan area.
Representatives from Glen Ellyn Public Works, along with the design and construction team, were recognized for these accomplishments at the recent APWA awards banquet.