The city plans to study the possibility of building a local bridge across the Fox River.
The City Council this week unanimously authorized the city Engineering Department to solicit proposals from consultants to conduct the study.
“This is an issue that keeps coming up, but has never really been studied,” said city administrator Ron Podschweit. “We need to know what would be the best location for a bridge and how much would one cost.”
Officials hope another bridge in Batavia would help relieve congestion experienced on Wilson Street, the only crossing over the Fox River between Illinois Highway 56 in North Aurora and Fabyan Parkway on the city’s northern border with Geneva.
Podschweit said discussions about a local bridge has been stifled in the past because no one could agree on possible locations to be studied. A limiting factor this time could be finances.
“At this time, we wouldn’t have the resources to build it,” he said. “We ought to know what we’re talking about.”
Funds for the study are budgeted this year. Mayor Jeff Schielke asked for the study after federal, state and county task forces studying regional bridges over the Fox eliminated the possibility of building one at Mooseheart Road, south of Batavia.
“I don’t know that we’ll ever find a suitable location,” said Ald. Charles Beckman. “But if this will put the issue to rest and appease the mayor, then let’s do a study.”
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In other action, the council voted to spend $66,574 to replace the telephone system in the Batavia Government Center building at 100 N. Island Ave.
The council also endorsed a proposal for the Tri-Cities to join in a three-way contract for garbage disposal services beginning in July.