RIVERWALK COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Receive the update on the Riverwalk South Extension and Hillside Gateway projects
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Andrew Hynes, P.E., Deputy Director of Transportation, Engineering and Development/City Engineer
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
N/A
BACKGROUND:
The Riverwalk 2031 Master Plan includes a project to extend the Riverwalk from Hillside Road to Martin Avenue. This will provide pedestrian connectivity from Downtown to Edward Hospital along the West Branch of the DuPage River.
Final design documents are currently under review. The majority of construction is expected to be completed in 2027, pending bidding and awarding a contract.
DISCUSSION:
TED / Riverwalk Funding
Within the City’s budget, funding for the City’s share of the Riverwalk is included as a component of the Transportation, Engineering, and Development (TED) Department’s budget. This includes both operating expenses and programming of large capital improvement and maintenance projects.
The City’s budget follows the calendar year and includes a 5-year outlook. Each December, the City Council approves a new budget for all City Departments with an emphasis on the upcoming year’s projects and initiatives.
Budget Workshop
On September 21st, the City held the first of three budget related workshops. The focus of this initial workshop was on Capital Improvement Program.
The proposed 2027-2031 TED Budget includes 54 projects with a combined estimated City cost of $123 million. For 2027, there are 37 CIP projects with City costs of approximately $41 million. A portion of these costs will be reimbursed from external state and federal grants. Projects with the highest costs in TED’s proposed 2027 budget include:
Annual Street Maintenance Program: $12 million
North Aurora Road Underpass: $8.7 million
Riverwalk South Extension/Hillside Gateway: $6.8 million
Downtown Streetscape ...
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