Rails To Trails Over The Rock River
Project details
- Location: Rockford, IL
- Client: City of Rockford
- Construction Cost: $1,500,000
- Scope of Work: Route and Topographic Survey, Existing Railroad Bridge Analysis, Project Development Report, Underwater Pier Inspection, TS&L, Plans, Specifications, Lighting Design, Permit Acquisition, Multi-Use Path Design, Construction Inspection, Documentation & Layout
- Project Completion: Completed - 2016
- WHA Team: Brian Converse, P.E., S.E., Corey Buck, P.E., Dale Hamilton, P.E., Tim Anderson, Mike Queckboerner
Phase: I, II, & III
The City of Rockford came to Willett, Hofmann & Associates, Inc. in 2013 for assistance in the submittal of an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program grant application. The application was successful and subsequently WHA was hired to design the conversion of a 900 ft. 1914 railroad bridge over the Rock River to a pedestrian path. The path connects residential and commercial areas on both sides of the river. WHA performed a structural analysis of the piers and bridge members to determine the integrity of the structure for use as a pedestrian bridge. An underwater pier analysis was performed as a part of the project and a new concrete deck was poured on the structure after removing the ties and rail. Bump outs were created for pedestrians to rest, enjoy the view, or fish. Lighting and a rustic looking handrail were designed to blend in with the style and color of the existing structure. Preserving the railroad bridge not only provides tourists and residents a chance to visit history, it is also now a functional bridge for the traveling public and a vital link to local and regional path systems. This project was a 2017 ACEC Merit Award Winner.