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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 mu...
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