St. Charles Slates Opening of Red Gate Bridge Pedestrian Crossing

The city of St. Charles and Kane County Forest Preserve District have scheduled a 9 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, May 4, to mark the opening of the pedestrian/bicycle crossing of the Red Gate Bridge and the official end to the $30 million project’s construction.

The city, in a release issued Friday, said the ceremony will take place at the west entrance of the crossing off Route 31 and will include brief remarks prior to the official opening.

All are welcome and encouraged to wear running shoes or bring a bike and participate.

The pedestrian bridge forms the lower deck of the Red Gate Bridge and connects to the Fox River Trail on the east side of the river, with a path on the west side that feeds into the Great Western Trail. It also links the Kane County Fox River Bluff and Fox River Bluff West forest preserves. Fox River Bluff West includes a Kane County dog park off Route 31.

“The completion of the pedestrian bridge will help bring the West Side and East sSide communities together. The Forest Preserve District is always working toward expanding trail connections, so we’re excited to see this project completed,” said Forest Preserve District President John J. Hoscheit.  “We truly appreciate our partnership with the city of St. Charles on this project.”

“Now people will be able to cross the river and access both forest preserves and the network of trails to run, ride their bikes or walk their dogs,” said St. Charles Mayor Don DeWitte. “The river will no longer divide east and west.”

Construction of the Red Gate Bridge began in August 2011. City officials note the bridge was completed on time and within budget, and opened to vehicle traffic on Dec. 15, 2012.

“The Red Gate Bridge roadway already has improved transportation in the area.  Latest traffic counts show a steady stream of more than 7,000 vehicles cross the bridge each day, outpacing projections,” DeWitte said. “The new Red Gate Bridge pedestrian crossing will do the same for pedestrians, allowing more people to enjoy the nearby Kane County forest preserves and amenities.”

The city also notes in its release that pedestrians/cyclers only are allowed to cross via the pedestrian crossing. No pedestrians are allowed on the Red Gate Bridge roadway, which is designed for vehicular traffic only.

Those who want to attend the ribbon-cutting should RSVP at 1-630-762-7097 or RedGateBridge@stcharlesil.gov so plans can be made to accommodate everyone. Parking will be available at .

For more information, visit the project website www.redgatebridge.org.

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