8/18/05
The Chicago Transit Board approved two intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) today making way for the construction of a pedestrian bridge and pathway over the Des Plaines River and onto CTA property near the Forest Park terminal on the Blue Line. The bridge and pathway will provide a direct connection for pedestrians and bicyclists traveling between the Forest Park Blue Line station and Maywood, and the Maywood Circuit Court complex located on the west side of the Des Plaines River.
?I commend the Villages of Maywood and Forest Park for their foresight in developing this project," said Chicago Transit Board Chairman Carole Brown. ?Access to public transportation is always an asset for a community and creating a direct link between the Forest Park station and Maywood will benefit both communities."
?Anytime we can improve the connection between the CTA system and key travel destinations we have the potential to increase ridership," said CTA President Frank Kruesi. ?In addition to bus service that already exists, the bridge and pathway will allow the many individuals who visit the circuit court complex everyday ? including those reporting for jury duty ? to get there on the CTA's Blue Line."
The agreements with the Villages of Forest Park and Maywood are related to construction and maintenance of the bridge and pathway. The first grants the two villages a right of entry to permit access to build the structure onto CTA property and lasts only during the construction period.
The second agreement relates to maintenance of the bridge and pathway, and allows Maywood and Forest Park onto CTA property for the purpose of maintaining the bridge and pathway. It will last for a term not to exceed 40 years or until the bridge is no longer in use.
CTA's property extends from the west side of the station to the Des Plaines River. CTA uses the eastern portion of that property as a Park & Ride facility. The western end of the property extends to the Des Plaines River and currently is vacant.
Construction of the pedestrian bridge and pathway will have no effect on CTA service nor will it reduce the number of Park & Ride spaces.
There will be no cost to the CTA related to construction or maintenance.
The Illinois Department of Transportation and Operation Green Light are providing funding for the project which will be coordinated through the Villages of Maywood and Forest Park.
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