Manchester-Wesley Bridge Project Update
UPDATE 4/5/11:
The contractor resumed working on the Manchester/Wesley Street Bridge Project.
In March, crews completed installing the security railings and remaining concrete parapet walls.
The intersection of Manchester Road and Gables Boulevard will be closed to all traffic starting April 11, 2011. Crews plan to complete the remaining sewer work, install new curbs, reconstruct the remaining pavement within the project limits along Gables Boulevard, and pave the street. The project contractor estimates this work will take approximately three weeks to complete.
The City asks patrons who use Manchester Road to access stores or businesses along this area to use Gables Boulevard until the intersection is re-opened. In addition, please follow the posted detour route instead of using adjacent residential side streets such as Knollwood, Woodlawn and Dorchester Avenue.
During the next few weeks, crews will also continue preparatory work for installing the bridge deck wearing surface, street lighting, and staining the bridge retaining walls.
The City anticipates the entire project will be completed by late May or early June.
UPDATE 12/2/2010:
Work on the roadway bridge has been suspended for the winter. The estimated project completion date is June 2011. For more information, see this press release from the City's Engineering Department.
UPDATE 7/27/10:
The contractor for the Manchester Road/Wesley Street Bridge resumed work along the south side of the UPRR tracks preparing to install support walls. This is expected to take a month, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Underground infrastructure work will resume along Wesley Street the week of Aug. 1.
The contractor resumed work preparing the Illinois Prairie Path entrances, which is anticipated to take a few weeks. In addition, the supports will be stained in the next week or so. Due to the strike, the Illinois Prairie Path opening has been delayed until approximately late August.
UPDATE 6/4/2010:
The contractor has completed installing the decking along the Illinois Prairie Path (IPP) Bridge, installing the watermain and sewer pipe along Western Avenue, and driving the piles along the north wall on the vehicular bridge.
The re-opening of the IPP Bridge has been delayed due to unforeseen soil conditions. It is anticipated to reopen in late June.
The next construction phase will include working to complete and reopen the IPP Bridge, installing wall panels on the north abutment, driving piles on the south abutment of the vehicular bridge, continuing to place fill along Western Avenue and watermain and sewer work along Wesley Street.
UPDATE 5/12/10: Continued Removal of Walls
The contractor has continued with the removal of the south abutment wall, south retaining wall and started installing sheet piling.
The work scheduled for next week will include the deck pour (provided IDOT approves the mix design of the concrete), installation of the watermain along Western Avenue, some storm sewer work, continued pile driving on the north abutment and work along the Illinois Prairie Path.
UPDATE 5/5/10: Bridges Removed; Utility Work Continues
Since December 2009, the contractor has worked on installing underground conduits for the utility relocation along the project site. In addition, the contractor has removed the old Illinois Prairie Path Bridge and the Wesley Street vehicular bridge. Current work includes removing the abutments, installing new piers and abutments for the Illinois Prairie Path bridge, erecting the new bridge spans and working on the new profile of the side slopes of the hill.
In the next month, the contractor expects to near completion of the Prairie Path Bridge. Work will also continue for the grading of the vehicular bridge, and crews will continue with other City-owned utility relocations on the project site.
UPDATE 12/29/09: Bridges Closed
The roadway and pedestrian bridges over the railroad tracks at Manchester Road and Wesley Street are now closed for reconstruction. This large-scale project involves demolishing and replacing the existing roadway bridge; reconstructing the approach roads surrounding the bridge; refurbishing and then replacing the Illinois Prairie Path pedestrian bridge; and adding enhancements such as pedestrian access, decorative street lighting and fencing. Construction began in November, though this project has been in the works for years.
The roadway bridge will be closed for approximately one year due to the scale of the project. The Prairie Path bridge is anticipated to reopen in the spring. While the closures may cause a temporary inconvenience, City of Wheaton Director of Engineering Paul Redman said the improvements are necessary.
“The bridge has lived its useful life,” Redman said. “It has deteriorated and is in need of replacement for structural integrity as well as to meet current highway regulations.”
Once the new configuration is complete, drivers will be able to turn left from the bridge onto Manchester Road/Bridge Street, and the bridge will be able to hold the weight of school buses, emergency vehicles and semi-tractor trailers.
“Drivers will be able to make a left turn to get from the north side of the tracks to the south side,” Redman said. “It will certainly be more convenient than it is in its present condition.”
The City of Wheaton urges you to be patient as this major project is completed.
“The one year it takes to build this bridge will be long forgotten throughout the life of the new bridge,” Redman said.
For detour maps and more, see the Wesley/Manchester Bridge Project section.
UPDATE 11/17/09: Western Avenue Closure
The contractor for the Manchester Road/Wesley Street Bridge Reconstruction Project has closed the vehicular bridge and detoured traffic around the project limits. Part of this detour will include the closure of Western Avenue approximately 250 feet north of Wesley Street.
During this time, the City is requesting that drivers enter and exit the area using Lincoln Avenue to West Street. See a map of the detour route (pdf). Businesses receiving or shipping freight are requested to access or exit the facilities using Lincoln Avenue to Western Avenue to Union Avenue.
The duration of this closure will be until the end of October of 2010. The City thanks you in advance for your patience and cooperation.
UPDATE 10/21/09: Portion of Prairie Path Closed
To allow for the reconstruction of Manchester Road/Wesley Street roadway and pedestrian bridges over the Union Pacific railroad tracks, the City anticipates that a portion of the Illinois Prairie Path will be closed starting Nov. 1. Prairie Path users are encouraged to use the recommended detour, which uses West Street to bypass the construction. See a map of the detour route (pdf).