Village of Mount Prospect, IL
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Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge
The Village of Mount Prospect’s Comprehensive Plan and Bicycle Plan both identify opportunities for better connections between parks, schools, destinations, and neighboring communities for pedestrians and bicyclists. One challenge that has been recognized to promote walking and biking is to provide a safe crossing between Meadows Park and Melas Park. The two parks are divided by Northwest Highway (US Route 14) and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. The Village desires to construct a pedestrian bridge over the roadway and railroad tracks to accomplish a key transportation goal.
Both parks are unique and draw residents from all areas of town. The Mount Prospect Park District and the Arlington Heights Park District co-operate Melas Park. It is owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). Melas Park facilities include a Visual Arts Center, soccer fields, baseball/softball diamonds, a dog park, and walking paths. Meadows Park is owned by the Mount Prospect Park District and includes an aquatic center, playground, and baseball/softball diamonds. The proposed pedestrian bridge will be constructed at the northeast corner of Melas Park and the southwest corner of Meadows Park. Partners in this project include the Village of Mount Prospect, Mount Prospect Park District, Village of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights Park District, School District 57, School District 214, Illinois Department of Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, and MWRD.
The Village completed a Phase I Preliminary Engineering Study in 2022. The study aimed to evaluate several design options and receive conceptual approval from various agencies, including IDOT, Union Pacific Railroad, Mount Prospect Park District, and MWRD. Phase II Design Engineering began in 2024 and and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. This phase will accomplish the engineering drawings and specifications to prepare for construction. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take approximately one year to complete.
Phase II Design Engineering: June 2024 through November 2025
Phase III Construction: April 2026 through June 2027
March 13, 2025 - Village awarded $3,000,000 grant from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund
March 8, 2024 – Congressman Mike Quigley secures $517,400 as part of the Congressional Appropriations bill
November 29, 2023 – Village awarded $2,033,824 grant from the Surface Transportation Program
November 7, 2023 – Village Board awards contract to Ciorba Group, Inc. for engineering consulting services to complete Phase II Engineering
April 13, 2023 – Village awarded $3,000,000 grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program
August 19, 2022 – Village received Phase I Engineering approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation
June 30, 2021 – Village will launch a pre-recorded virtual presentation on July 14. Public comment period will be from July 14 – August 13.
September 24, 2020 – Village awarded $62,000 from the Invest in Cook Program
February 18, 2020 – Village Board awards contract to Burns & McDonnell for engineering consulting services to complete Phase I Engineering
The Village has secured various federal grants to fund a majority of the project. We have been awarded $3,000,000 from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, $2,033,824 from the Surface Transportation Program, $62,000 from the Invest in Cook Program, and $517,400 from Congressman Mike Quigley as part of the 2024 Congressional Appropriations bill, and $3,000,000 from the Grade Crossing Protection Fund. This equals to $8,613,224 in grant funding.
Phase I Project Development Report
Public Meetings Timeline: Committee of the Whole Meeting :
11-21-2017 Village Board Meeting: Enact a resolution authorizing and supporting an application for grant funding from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to design and construct the Melas- Meadows Pedestrian Bridge
4-3-2018 Village Board Meeting: Motion to accept the Proposal for the Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge Phase 1 Engineering Services in and amount not to exceed $124,131.36
2-11-2020 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Melas-Meadows Bridge Project Update and Village Board direction regarding award of Phase 1 Engineering Contract to Burns & McDonnell.
2-18-2020 Village Board Meeting: Motion to accept the Proposal for the Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge Phase 1 Engineering Services in and amount not to exceed $124,131.36 [This matter was initially discussed at the 4/18/2018, Regular Meeting of the Village Board. At that time, no award was approved and staff was directed to solicit financial commitments from referenced stakeholders to participate in funding the proposed work.]
7-21-2020 Village Board Meeting: Approve a resolution authorizing staff to enter into preliminary engineering service agreements with the Union Pacific Railroad for the Development of the Melas-Meadows Bridge Phase 1 Study Project
10-20-2020 Village Board Meeting : Approve a resolution authorizing an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant application to fund a portion of the Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge to fund design and construction costs.
7-21-2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Melas-Meadows Bridge Project Informational Update
9-6-2022 Village Board Meeting: Approve a resolution authorizing an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant application to fund a portion of the Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge to fund design and construction costs.
11-7-2023 Village Board Meeting: Motion to accept the proposal for Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge Phase II Engineering for an amount not to exceed $725,716.
1-14-2025 Committee of the Whole Meeting: Preferred Alternative for Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge Main Span
7-15-2025 Village Board Meeting: Approve a resolution authorizing the Mayor to sign an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Mt. Prospect Park District for construction of the bridge.
Why are we building a bridge?
In the early 2010s, Village staff received guidance from the Village Board to develop projects that could help mitigate the isolating effects of the several multi-lane, high-volume, arterial roads that dissect the Village.
The Melas/Meadows bridge is one of these projects. When constructed, the bridge will provide a means for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross both the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Northwest Highway. Presently, there is no way to safely cross these corridors between the Central Road intersections and the grade crossing near the intersection of Arthur Avenue and Davis Street in Arlington Heights. This is a span of almost 1.4 miles through the middle of Mount Prospect.
Other recent projects designed to improve cross-town mobility for people who are not in cars include the Central Road & Weller Lane pedestrian crossing, the Central Road & Cathy Lane pedestrian crossing, the Central Road & Emerson Street pedestrian crossing, the Busse Road & Lonnquist Boulevard pedestrian crossing, and the Busse Avenue & Main Steet pedestrian crossing.
In addition, this bridge will form a key part of the Village’s bike plan. It will provide a safe means for bicyclists to travel across town from the north to the south and vice versa. Immediately it will provide a new, safe way for students to walk or bike to Prospect High School as many students live south of Central Road. It may even wind up forming a crucial link to the Northwest Municipal Conference’s regional bike path planned for the Northwest Highway corridor.
How much will the bridge cost?
The bridge is currently expected to cost $9,695,887. Fortunately, the Village has been awarded over $8,613,170 in grant funding, which amounts to 89% of project costs. Federal rules limit grant funding to 80% of project costs with the local partner (the Village) responsible for the remaining 20%. This limitation creates a grant surplus of $893,629.50.
The Village’s total cost for the bridge is expected to be $1,976,346.10. Of this amount, $207,090.50 has already been spent on Phase I engineering (preliminary engineering), and Phase II engineering (design engineering). Once a construction contract is awarded, the Village will pay $1,608,414.20 for construction and $160,841.40 for construction engineering (a total of $1,769,255.60).
Invest in Cook: A transportation grant from Cook County government.
ITEP: The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. A federally funded transportation grant program administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
STP – Shared: The Surface Transportation Program – Shared portion is a federally funded grant program administered by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).
Local Participation: The Village of Mount Prospect share.
Does the Village have to pay for the project first and then seek reimbursement from the various grant administrators?
Not for construction costs. Actual construction is the biggest expenditure. The contract for this project will be issued by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). IDOT will pay the contractor and bill the Village for the local share later.
However, the Village will let and administer the construction engineering contract. Consequently, the Village will be the first payer for the engineering firm hired to monitor the contractor’s work.
Does the Village own the land the bridge will be built on?
No. The bridge will span a highway right-of-way owned by the State of Illinois and a railroad right-of-way owned by the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR). The piers and ramps will be built in Meadows Park and in Melas Park. Meadows Park is owned by the Mt. Prospect Park District. Melas Park is owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC).
IDOT and UPRR have approved this bridge. Both agencies have been involved in this project since initiation and have actively participated in Phase I and Phase II engineering. In addition, both agencies approved the Project Development Report and IDOT has agreed to let the contract for this project.
The Mt. Prospect Park District has executed an intergovernmental agreement supporting the construction and operation of the bridge. In addition, the park district has granted a permanent easement to utilize park district land for the north side ramp, bridge piers, and sidewalks.
The Village has entered into a long-term lease agreement with the MWRDGC to develop and operate Melas Park for public recreational purposes. The Village has, in turn, executed sub-leases with the Mt. Prospect Park District and the Arlington Heights Park District to develop athletic and recreational facilities at the park. Like IDOT and UPRR, the MWRDGC has been involved in project development since initiation and supports the effort. In addition, the construction of a bridge connecting shared use paths at the two parks is consistent with the overall objective of the lease agreement between MWRDGC and the Village.
When will the bridge be built?
The bridge is slated to be let for public bidding in January 2026. IDOT and the Village will likely award a contract in February 2026. Construction should start in spring 2026 and be substantially complete by the end of the year. Final completion is expected in early 2027 when landscaping and other items not affecting the operation of the bridge will be completed.
What will the bridge look like?
The bridge will be a prefabricated truss main span with staircases and access ramps. The best representation of the type, size, and location of the bridge are computer-generated renderings of the bridge available on the project homepage. Just search for melas-meadows pedestrian bridge in your browser of choice.
The bridge deck, approach ramp, and piers will be made of concrete. The main span support piers will feature form-lined concrete to simulate fieldstone.
The fence, posts, railings, and steel truss will be painted black.
Will landscaping be installed around the bridge?
Yes, the landscaping depicted in the renderings will be installed as part of the construction project. The cost of landscape materials is included in the current cost estimate.
How high will the bridge be?
The main bridge deck will be 23’6” above the railroad tracks and 30’2” above Northwest Highway. For reference, the Village’s black streetlight poles on Northwest Highway near the proposed bridge site are 40’ tall.
How long is the bridge?
The bridge deck will be 206’ long and 12’ wide. It will be a prefabricated steel truss bridge with a poured concrete deck.
How long are the ramps?
The north ramp is 689’ long as measured from the Meadows Park parking lot to the deck pier. The south ramp is 613’ long as measured from the existing path to the deck pier. The approach ramps are 10’ wide and will be made of concrete.
Why are the ramps so long?
The bridge and the approach ramps must be compliant with current accessibility requirements (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)). Notably, these rules limit the running slope to less than a 5% incline (1:20) and the cross slope to less than 2% (1:48). These slope requirements ensure that the ramps, and the bridge, are accessible to individuals using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices. To make the ramps compliant with these regulations, a very gradual slope was used which increased the length of the ramps.
Do I have to use the ramps?
No. Staircases will also be installed on both sides of the bridge.
Will there be an elevator?
No.
How high is the fence on the bridge?
The bridge approaches will have a 4’6” high fence installed on a 6” curb (a total height of 5’) and the main span will have a 6’ high fence.
The bid specifications also request optional pricing to install a 6’ fence for the first 60’ of the bridge approaches and a 9’ fence on the main span.
Both the main span fencing and the ramp fencing will have 2” openings and 9-gauge wire.
The specified fencing is compliant with both IDOT and UPRR requirements for bridge construction.
Will there be lights on the bridge?
Yes. The main span, ramps, and staircases will be lit. The lighting will be provided by a combination of overhead streetlight-style light posts, rail-mounted luminaires on the main span, and Cree Edge transportation series luminaires installed where the access ramps double back on themselves. All luminaires will operate at 3,000 Kelvin color temperature (a soft white). Pole-mounted overhead luminaires will include glare reducing shields.
Target lighting levels for this project were obtained from the IES (Illuminating Engineering Society) RP-43-22 standard. Design criteria were established for 3 distinct areas including a mixed-use path, pedestrian overpass, and stairs. The targeted lighting zone is Zone 2 (LZ-2).
LZ2 represents a moderate ambient lighting environment, typical for areas with human activity where vision adapts to moderate light levels. It's often associated with residential neighborhoods, public parks, and commercial zones needing consistent illumination for safety and visibility.
IES and Dark Sky Association outdoor lighting standards range from LZ0 to LZ4. LZ0 applies to rural spaces and LZ4 applies to brightly lit spaces like city centers.
Who will own and maintain the bridge?
The bridge will be owned, operated, and maintained by the Village of Mount Prospect.
Who will patrol the bridge?
The bridge will be under the jurisdiction of the Mount Prospect Police Department.
Will there be cameras on the bridge?
Cameras are not included in the current bridge construction cost. However, a camera system can be added to monitor the main span and bridge approaches for approximately $35,000. Cameras can be added after the project is completed by Village crews.
Can we ride bikes and scooters on the bridge?
Yes. Bike riders and scooter riders will be allowed to ride on the bridge.
Will electric bikes and scooters be allowed on the bridge?
Yes. The bridge can accommodate electric micromobility devices. However, The Village Board always has the option to administratively limit access to the bridge.
Will the bridge be open year-round?
Yes. The bridge will be open year-round.
Who will remove snow from the bridge?
Snow removal will be performed by the Mount Prospect Public Works Department.
What if someone vandalizes the bridge?
The Mount Prospect Police Department and Mount Prospect Public Works Department will respond to vandalism incidents.
Will construction of this bridge increase the Village’s insurance costs?
The bridge will be insured by the Village. The Village participates in the Illinois Risk Management Association (IRMA) insurance pool. Premiums are determined on a revenue basis. They are not asset-based. Consequently, the addition of pedestrian bridge will not affect insurance rates.
What are the anticipated annual maintenance costs?
Village staff expects that routine maintenance costs, such as sweeping, snow removal, and landscape maintenance, will be absorbed into the existing operating budget.
The exceptions will be periodic inspections by an IDOT-certified bridge inspector (every 2-4 years), bridge deck joint sealant maintenance (approximately 6 joints every 15-20 years), and steel truss painting (20 years).
How long will the bridge last?
The design life of the bridge is 75 years.
How will the bridge drain?
The main bridge span and the bridge approach ramps are curbed to prevent water from draining onto the roadway, railway, or lower ramps. The water is collected in drains installed along the curb lines and conveyed via pipe to at-grade discharges.
Is there any soundproofing installed on the bridge?
No.
Has soil testing been performed?
Yes. Soil borings have been collected and analyzed. There are no identified soil issues. The soil appears structurally adequate to support the approach ramps and the bridge piers.
Are there any concerns about vibration from roadway traffic or passing trains?
AASHTO (American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials), IDOT, and UPRR guidelines were utilized to design the bridge. All these guidelines include accommodations for vibration on pedestrian bridges.
Are there any maintenance walkways or platforms included in the bridge design?
No.
Will utilities need to be moved?
Yes. Some overhead and underground utilities will need to be relocated to accommodate the bridge and the bridge approaches. The cost of relocating these utilities is included in the current estimate. The work is included in the project scope.
Who has final approval over the decision to build the bridge?
The Mount Prospect Village Board has the final word on whether to build the bridge. However, several other agencies must also approve the plans and specifications before the project is let for bidding. These agencies include the Mt. Prospect Park District, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Illinois Department of Transportation.
When will the bridge be built?
The bridge will be let for public bidding by IDOT in January 2026. The Village Board will be asked to concur with IDOT’s award recommendation in February or early March. Construction is expected to start in April 2026. The bridge should be completed and in service by the end of the year.
Will they have to close Northwest Highway or the railroad tracks to build the bridge?
Yes. Construction of the piers and ramps will not require closure. The main span will arrive in multiple pieces and spliced together on site. Setting the main span will require two cranes and closure of tracks and Northwest Highway. This will be coordinated with UPRR and IDOT. Village staff expects that the lifts will occur during off-peak travel hours to minimize impacts on traffic.
Has the Melas/Meadows bridge been publicly discussed?
The Melas/Meadows bridge has been discussed at public meetings at least 12 times since the project began in 2017. Agenda documents, meeting minutes, and video links for these meetings can be found on the project webpage (www.mountprospect.org (search for melas/meadows)). The links can be found in the dropdown menu for Documents & Public Meetings. (Note: Some members of the community may recall that the bridge was discussed as early 2009. However, the project failed to develop due to a lack of funding).
The project has also been reported multiple times by the Daily Herald and Mount Prospect Journal & Topics newspapers. It has also been featured in Village of Mount Prospect social media communications.
The project webpage has been live since April 2020.
What is the issue with the Northwest Compass garden?
Northwest Compass is a charitable organization that owns a building at 1300 West Northwest Highway. It is immediately west of the Meadows Park frontage on Northwest Highway.
The Melas/Meadows bridge plans propose part of an access ramp, staircase, and walking path on Meadows Park property near the property line between Northwest Compass and the park. In particular, the plans route the walking path through a garden area that features native and pollinator plants. Grading and construction will eliminate most of the garden area.
Northwest Compass reports that they constructed the garden 2 years ago. Some of the garden, including a walking path that connects a patio to the charity’s rear parking lot, is installed in Meadows Park on Mt. Prospect Park District property. However, Northwest Compass does not have an easement, or permission, from the Mt. Prospect Park District to construct or operate the garden. Prior to the start of design work for the bridge, the Mt. Prospect Park District had no knowledge that Northwest Compass was utilizing park district property.
Figure 1 depicts the location of the property line in relation to the garden area. The yellow highlighted line is the east property line of the Northwest Compass property.
The Village of Mount Prospect was granted an easement for the construction of the Melas/Meadows bridge by the Mt. Prospect Park District. This easement includes the garden area where the access ramp, staircase, and walking path are planned. The easement area is depicted in Figure 2.
Figure 2 - Easement area in Meadows Park granted to the Village of Mount Prospect
Northwest Compass would like to continue to operate and utilize the garden. The Village of Mount Prospect remains committed to working with Northwest Compass and the Mt. Prospect Park District to find an amicable solution.
Matt Lawrie, PE
Village Engineer
Phone: 847-870-5640
Email: publicworksdept@mountprospect.org
Melas-Meadows Pedestrian Bridge Prefinal Renderings