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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 Fox Valley Park District for 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 with minor encroachments onto Fox Valley Park District property.
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 on the portion of the path within Fox Valley Park District right-of-way.
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.
There is a small piece of the proposed path that will encroach on Fox Valley Park District right-of-way. This IGA will allow the City to construct the path within Park District right-of-way and sets up maintenance responsibilities for the future. There is no financial participation from the Park District for the construction of this project, and the piece within their jurisdic...
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