Politics & Government

City Honored for Red Gate Bridge Project

While the Red Gate Bridge opened to vehicle traffic back in December, followed by the opening of its associated pedestrian/cyclist bridge this spring, St. Charles’ largest public works project continues to draw attention.


On Monday, former Public Works Director Mark Koenen, who began his new assignment as St. Charles city administrator, presented a plaque honoring the bridge project to Mayor Raymond Rogina and the City Council.


The American Public Works Association tapped the project for its Small Cities/Rural Communities – Transportation Award, which was presented Aug. 26, 2013 during a ceremony in Chicago.

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Targeted with criticism by some detractors, the Red Gate Bridge appears to have been well-received locally if vehicle use is any indication.


The city’s newest east-west access across the Fox River on the north end of St. Charles was built at a cost of $30 million. Bridge construction began in August 2011 and was completed in time and within budget, opening to vehicle traffic on Dec. 15, 2012. A 24-hour traffic count two days after the bridge opened showed 5,198 vehicles had crossed the bridge. The count had soared 39 percent to 7,223 vehicles a day in April.

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By comparison, city officials have pointed to the 2012 daily vehicle counts on its other bridges:


  • Main Street — 30,281 vehicles

  • Prairie Street — 8,887 vehicles

  • Illinois Street — 6,219 vehicles


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