Local News

Written by Jack McCarthy   

Construction work has been completed on the Gilman Trail bridge at the Galena Boulevard crossing on the west side of Aurora. As of 6 p.m. last Friday, both the trail and Galena Boulevard were open.
The new bridge will bring greatly increased safety and convenience for walkers, runners, bicyclists and cross country skiers, while also providing a striking appearance as a welcoming gateway for drivers approaching Aurora from the west on Galena.
“In addition to the important safety benefits, the new overpass will allow users to enjoy many more miles of uninterrupted trail through quiet woods and scenic prairies without confronting vehicular traffic,” said Jeff Palmquist, director of planning, development and grants. “This will provide greater peace – and peace of mind – for trail users.”
The historic Gilman Trail is one of the nation’s first rail-to-trail conversions.
Dedicated as a National Heritage Corridor, the Gilman Trail skirts the south and west portions of Aurora, running 11½ miles between Hill Avenue in Montgomery and the campus of Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove.
The bridge project is part of the 2008 Open Space, Park and Recreation Investment (OSPRI) plan that reinvests referendum funds to improve community opportunities for recreation. Construction was performed by R.C. Wegman Construction Company of Aurora.