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TO: Mayor John Laesch and City Council
FROM: Tim Weidner, P.E., Engineering Coordinator
DATE: December 11, 2025
SUBJECT:
A Resolution approving and Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Aurora and Aurora Township for a detour during the construction of a shared use path crossing of the BNSF Railroad at Edgelawn Drive.
PURPOSE:
This Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) will allow the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) through a federally funded project under design by the City, to construct a shared use path crossing of the BNSF Railroad and utilize a detour route including roadways under the jurisdiction of Aurora Township.
BACKGROUND:
The City has recently submitted 99% Final Plans to IDOT for the construction of a bike and pedestrian crossing at the BNSF Railroad at Edgelawn Drive. This IGA is required to complete construction of the path, as there will be a detour during some construction activities that follows Aurora Township roadways.
DISCUSSION:
This project received Local Rail-Highway Crossing Safety Program federal funds, 90% federal funding up to $631,682.
The project limit span is from the commercial driveway (south of the BNSF tracks) to the Virgil Gilman Trail (north of the BNSF tracks). The proposed improvements include constructing an 8' asphalt bike path on the east side of Edgelawn Drive, through the BNSF tracks. The bike path will connect to the Virgil Gilman Trial to the north and paved shoulder to the south at the commercial driveway using off and on-street bike path, pavement marking and signage. Other improvements include railroad track crossing material and railroad gate/flasher infrastructure and circuitry.
During construction, Edgelawn Drive will be temporarily closed while the BNSF Railroad completes work at the crossing. During this time a detour will be posted redirecting traffic around to Jericho Rd, Terry Ave, and Prairie St. As some of these roadways are under Aurora Township jurisdiction, this IGA must be executed to allow this detour to be posted. There is no financial participation from the Township for the construction of this project, as no physical work is taking place within their right-of-way.
IMPACT STATEMENT:
Construction on this project is scheduled to begin in 2026. Edgelawn Drive will be temporarily closed for a portion of construction. This closure is anticipated to last up to 4 weeks.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Please forward to the Finance Committee for their review and recommendation.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution approving and Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Aurora and Aurora Township for a detour during the construction of a shared use path crossing of the BNSF Railroad at Edgelawn Drive.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, it is necessary and desirable to construct the path crossing improvements at the BNSF Railroad along Edgelawn Drive; and
WHEREAS, the City is actively moving forward with this federally funded construction project on Edgelawn Drive (Section No 20-00335-00-FL); and
WHEREAS, Aurora Township is involved in the construction project as described in the Intergovernmental Agreement ("Exhibit A").
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: that the Intergovernmental Agreement between City of Aurora and Aurora Townsihp, attached hereto and incorporated herein, as "Exhibit A" is hereby approved.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Mayor and City Clerk are authorized to execute the Intergovernmental Agreement in “Exhibit A” or any document that substantially and materially conforms to the provisions set forth in “Exhibit A” on behalf of the City.