President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Brad Stephens Cut Ribbon for Rosemont Pedestrian Bridge
In celebration of the new pedestrian bridge connecting Rosemont’s entertainment district to the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Des Plaines Trail, Cook County and Forest Preserves of Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens joined Forest Preserves General Superintendent Arnold Randall, Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri, Senator Robert Martwick and other elected officials for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The 12-foot-wide Bryn Mawr Des Plaines Trail Pedestrian bridge over the Des Plaines River at Bryn Mawr Avenue gives Rosemont residents and visitors direct bike and pedestrian access to Catherine Chevalier Woods and the Forest Preserves’ 28-mile Des Plaines Trail system. The $1.3 million project was a joint effort spearheaded by Rosemont with substantial assistance from Franklin Park as well as the West Central Municipal Conference. Of its total $1,340,000 cost, Rosemont contributed $268,000, with the balance coming from federal funding.
“This bridge dedication marks the creation of a key access point to the Des Plaines Trail, but more than that it provides an opportunity for the users of the trail to come to Rosemont and experience our dining, shopping, entertainment, sports and much more,” said Mayor Stephens. “As more people become aware of this new bridge, I fully expect we’ll see more of them crossing into Rosemont to visit our restaurants and entertainment venues. The options are limitless.”
“Connecting the vibrant Rosemont entertainment district with the wonderful natural resources of the Forest Preserves is a win-win for residents, businesses and out-of-town visitors. This bridge is an economic development project, an alternative transportation option, a path to healthy exercise, and a doorway to the natural world,” President Preckwinkle said.
The bridge is part of an ongoing partnership between the Forest Preserves and municipalities along the Des Plaines River from Touhy to North avenues to improve the trail system for users. The Des Plaines River Trail Advisory Group is evaluating and working to implement a possible $70 million in trail improvements around issues like flooding, trail reconstruction, safety improvements at roadways and major railroad crossings, and other potential new trail connections.
“The Des Plaines Trail is one of our most popular trail systems, and we appreciate the partnership of municipalities like the Village of Rosemont for their time and investment in an even better experience for everyone who hikes, bikes, runs, walks their dog, rides their horse and even cross-country skiis on the trails,” said General Superintendent Randall. “I know everyone who crosses this bridge will appreciate the unique opportunities that come from having natural public lands so closely woven together with our homes and businesses.”