New York Street Bridge Project

Study Background

The City of Aurora is currently conducting an engineering study for the rehabilitation of the New York Street bridge over the Fox River. The New York Street bridge was originally opened to traffic in 1931 and underwent major rehabilitation in 1992. The structure is a historic nine-span open spandrel concrete arch bridge with two approach spans. The project study area will include the bridge and immediate approach roadway, just east of River Street and west of Broadway.

Purpose of Project

The purpose of the project is to provide a safe connection for vehicles and pedestrians along New York Street across the Fox River.

The project is needed to address the deterioration of the existing structure, which is in poor condition, structurally deficient, and functionally obsolete. The proposed improvement will serve to rehabilitate the bridge to meet the bridge sufficiency needs and preserve or repair historical elements of the structure while also maintaining the existing vehicle and pedestrian traffic accommodations.

Proposed Improvements

This project will consist of full deck replacement of the New York Street bridge, substructure and arch repairs, along with adjacent roadway pavement and sidewalk reconstruction as needed to tie-in to the existing roadway. Historical elements of the bridge, such as the Sculptures of Memory statues and decorative concrete railing, will be either repaired or replaced in-kind.

Schedule

The project is scheduled to begin construction in 2026 at the earliest, subject to Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) approvals and funding availability.

Public Information Meeting

An open house public information meeting was held from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at City Hall (44 E Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60505) in the 5th Floor Conference Room. The meeting introduced the project, presented existing conditions, presented the proposed improvements, discussed the historical significance of the bridge, discussed how construction will be staged, and solicited input from the public. (Link to Posterboards) We encourage comments throughout the course of the study. Questions or comments that were received by March 6, 2024 were added to the public meeting record.

• New York Street Bridge Project Posterboards(PDF, 4MB)