The Oak Street Bridge Replacement Project is currently in the first phase of the project development process, Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies.  In Phase I, the potential environmental effects of a project are determined and measures to minimize adverse effects are proposed.  Also during this phase, the Purpose and Need of the project is defined and the affected environment is described.  A reasonable range of alternative grade crossing locations are evaluated, and the environmental and cultural impacts of each alternative are analyzed.  The result of the analysis is the selection of a Preferred Alternative based on factors such as environmental resource impacts and engineering feasibility.

Public participation is an important element of the Phase I process.  The Oak Street Bridge Replacement Project will follow the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Context Sensitive Solution (CSS) approach to public involvement.  You can read more about the CSS process here.

Phase I is expected to be complete in 2013.  Following the environmental documentation and approval of the preferred alternative, the Village of Hinsdale will complete final design, contract plan preparation, and land acquisition and begin construction.