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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 authorizing the City of Aurora to enter into a construction and maintenance agreement with BNSF Railway Company for improvements of the crossing of the new Edgelawn Drive bike path and the BNSF Railroad.
PURPOSE:
To enter into a construction and maintenance agreement with BNSF for the new Edgelawn Drive bike path crossing.
BACKGROUND:
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.
The City is continuing work with the selected design consultant, Baxter & Woodman, Inc. on final design plans under a previous City agreement. The plans are 99% complete and have been submitted to IDOT. The project is targeting a February 27, 2026 letting date.
DISCUSSION:
As part of this project, coordination has been ongoing with the BNSF Railway regarding the proposed bike path crossing along Edgelawn Drive.
This coordination has gone through the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) Petition process. The City and its consultants have worked to get this project moved through the process, and there is a current ICC Order posted.
Through various coordination efforts, BNSF will construct the new railroad crossing surface (roadway and proposed bike path) and signal equipment. The City will construct and maint...
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