McDowell Grove Forest Preserve Entrance Road Bridge and Trail

McDowell Grove Forest Preserve has one of the highest attendance rates of the District facilities and has seen several recent improvements to keep it that way. The WWII era, single-lane entrance road bridge had never been ideal for internal circulation, especially since it is shared by vehicles and pedestrians alike. Our team performed Phase II engineering and provided Phase III construction observation for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County on this bridge replacement project.

With a previously completed feasibility study, the District Board of Commissioners selected to proceed with Phase II design on a 40’ wide by 130’ long single-span, precast, prestressed concrete beam superstructure. The proposed bridge alignment is north of the existing structure and will resolve numerous challenges currently experienced by both the District and its users.

Proposed improvements included a new bridge structure, approximately 40’ wide by 130’ long, over the West Branch of the DuPage River and 500’ of multi-use path. The new structure will be wide enough for 2 lanes of vehicular traffic and a 10’ multi-purpose path. Additionally, the existing entrance road was realigned to improve geometrics and hydraulics.

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The scope of services for the design engineering involved a comprehensive Phase II process with abbreviated Phase I task items. Included in this scope were site survey, drainage design and modeling, bridge alternative analysis, plans, specifications and estimate, environmental survey, permitting, project packaging, and the necessary meetings. The bridge alternatives were modeled in 3D for client review and input. In addition, the roadway corridor and bridge were modeled using a MicroStation Corridor Modeler.

Construction of the proposed improvement commenced in early August of 2017 and was substantially completed prior to a winter shutdown in mid-December 2017. The final placement of the surface course for the roadway and concrete staining was completed in the Spring of 2018. Our WBK Engineering team oversaw the construction of the project, acting as the Forest Preserve District representative, working closely with staff to ensure the completion of this vital improvement to the District’s infrastructure.

Throughout the duration of the project, our team provided the following construction engineering services:

• Field inspection and documentation of work and quantities

• Daily contractor & Forest Preserve District coordination

• Management of the Quality Assurance (QA) testing subconsultant

• Preparation and submittal of pay estimates, final quantities and change orders

• All necessary documentation and paperwork required by the District

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