Winnetka Road overpass deal remains in the works

Northfield officials are looking for the positives in a state agency’s plans for a lengthy construction process that will replace key infrastructure in the village.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is developing plans to replace the Winnetka Road bridge that spans the Edens Expressway (Interstate 94), according to information from village officials.

In previous similar projects, IDOT has considered proposals from municipalities “to enhance the standard bridge design with aesthetic improvements such as colored fencing and decorative facades,” per a memo from Northfield officials.

Northfield representatives in 2024 began working with Hitchcock Design Group to explore options for potential aesthetic enhancements to the bridge. Village trustees previously discussed concepts for improvements during a late January meeting when they focused on two design options.

Northfield Village Manager Patrick Brennan detailed those two choices on Tuesday, March 18 during a committee of the whole session of the board.

According to the village memo, the first concept includes the word Northfield on the buttress walls, a field stone formliner (unstained) for the Winnetka Road span, formliner “Winnetka Road” sign and vinyl-coated safety fencing. Brennan said the estimated cost for this option is $149,850.

The second option adds decorative pillars to both ends of the bridge with a field stone formliner and a “N” letter on each side as well. Option two increases the cost by nearly $77,000, bringing the total estimate for this option to $226,650.

Village trustees quickly reached a consensus that they preferred Option 2 moving forward and instructed village staff to inform IDOT of their preference.

IDOT’s work includes removing the existing structure and constructing a new bridge that will increase the height of the span over the Edens Highway by roughly 1 1/2 feet, according to project details.

The state agency is also planning on including ADA-compliant sidewalks and a shared-used path on a portion of Winnetka Road. Additionally, the project’s scope would extend beyond the bridge to “taper in the approximate 3-foot increase in road deck elevation,” officials say in the memo.

Brennan told trustees during the March 18 meeting that the current expectation is for construction to start in 2027, but noted that IDOT’s estimate could change depending on several factors. The hope is that work can be completed in one construction season, Brennan said.

IDOT is also asking that the village play a part in several other improvements it has planned as part of the project.

State officials are proposing to install a 7-foot sidewalk on the north side of the structure and a 15-foot shared-use path, Brennan said during the meeting. The current sidewalk is 5 feet, per village information. The shared-used path would go on the south side and would make it more accessible for students walking back and forth to New Trier High School, Brennan said.

In what Brennan described as a “surprise move,” however, IDOT officials said the agency would only be willing to install that feature should the village accept “all future responsibilities for that path,” such as snow clearing, surface patching and even rebuilding.

“It is basically a we put it in and give it to you,” Brennan said.

Cook County currently has jurisdiction of Winnetka Road while the bridge currently belongs to IDOT, according to Brennan. Northfield is involved because it wants to make the aesthetic enhancements.

IDOT representatives have indicated that if the village or some other agency does not accept responsibility, it may not install the bridge with the shared-use path.

Trustees showed hesitations toward accepting full responsibility per IDOT’s request. The board did however show support for a potential compromise where the village would accept snow removal but not take on inspection, maintenance or replacement responsibilities.

Northfield will also need to work on specifics on roadway lighting and utility relocation related to the project.

Brennan and village staff are next slated to discuss the proposed terms with IDOT officials.

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