Touhy Avenue Pedestrian Bridge

The Valley Line Trail is an integral part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy network, which transforms former rail corridors into active transportation routes that connect communities across north Chicagoland. In the Village of Lincolnwood, the trail intersected Touhy Avenue, a heavily traveled arterial carrying approximately 40,000 vehicles per day. Trail users were required to divert onto a sidewalk, cross at a signal and backtrack to rejoin the path, creating safety concerns, added travel time and reduced use of the trail.

To address these concerns, the Village of Lincolnwood secured a grant to support construction of a $4.4 million pedestrian bridge. Stanley Consultants was selected to provide full design and engineering services, including bridge type studies, structural design, shared-use path design, drainage, electrical and architectural lighting, landscaping, permitting and construction management. The Village also sought a structure that would reflect community character and be embraced by nearby residents.

The project corridor presented several constraints typical of dense urban environments. Located along a former rail alignment, the site included the potential for contaminated soils and waste materials. High-tension overhead and underground utilities limited access and available work areas, while tight right-of-way conditions constrained placement of approach paths and construction equipment. Electrical grounding requirements were also critical to prevent energizing exposed metal bridge components. Adding to the complexity, adjacent residents and a nearby condominium community closely scrutinized the project, placing heightened emphasis on aesthetics and construction impacts.

Stanley Consultants evaluated five bridge alternatives before advancing a prefabricated, three-span truss design with an 83-foot side span on each end and a 125-foot main span over Touhy Avenue. The prefabricated approach minimized on-site construction and significantly reduced traffic disruption. Approach paths were constructed on mechanically stabilized earth walls to accommodate limited space. The two side spans were installed with minimal roadway impacts, while the main span was set during a single overnight operation with traffic allowed through at regular intervals.

Architectural details reinforce the bridge’s role as a community gateway. Prairie-style brick piers and abutments reflect local architecture and incorporate the Village’s tree logo and name. A backlit stainless-steel sign spanning the roadway allows color changes for special events, complemented by integrated LED lighting that visually connects the structure from end to end.

Weathered steel was selected for its durability and aesthetic appeal, but its tendency to stain surrounding concrete required a thoughtful solution. Rather than partially painting the structure, the design team introduced drip plates, stainless steel flashing, and concealed drainage outlets that redirect runoff away from visible surfaces. These measures preserve the natural patina of the steel while minimizing long-term maintenance and visual concerns.

A robust community engagement process supported project acceptance. Through public meetings, board presentations, and on-site coordination, residents were able to see how the bridge would fit within the corridor.

Today, the bridge provides a safe, uninterrupted trail crossing that improves mobility, supports recreation, and strengthens access to a key redevelopment area within Lincolnwood.