The Village of Mount Prospect’s Comprehensive Plan and Bicycle Plan both identify opportunities for better connections between parks, schools, destinations, and neighboring communities for pedestrians and bicyclists. One challenge that has been recognized to promote walking and biking is to provide a safe crossing between Meadows Park and Melas Park. The two parks are divided by Northwest Highway (US Route 14) and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.  The Village desires to construct a pedestrian bridge over the roadway and railroad tracks to accomplish a key transportation goal.

Both parks are unique and draw residents from all areas of town.  The Mount Prospect Park District and the Arlington Heights Park District co-operate Melas Park. It is owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD).  Melas Park facilities include a Visual Arts Center, soccer fields, baseball/softball diamonds, a dog park, and walking paths. Meadows Park is owned by the Mount Prospect Park District and includes an aquatic center, playground, and baseball/softball diamonds. The proposed pedestrian bridge will be constructed at the northeast corner of Melas Park and the southwest corner of Meadows Park. Partners in this project include the Village of Mount Prospect, Mount Prospect Park District, Village of Arlington Heights, Arlington Heights Park District, School District 57, School District 214, Illinois Department of Transportation, Union Pacific Railroad, and MWRD.

The Village completed a Phase I Preliminary Engineering Study in 2022. The study aimed to evaluate several design options and receive conceptual approval from various agencies, including IDOT, Union Pacific Railroad, Mount Prospect Park District, and MWRD. Phase II Design Engineering is expected to begin in 2024 and take approximately one year to complete. This phase will accomplish the engineering drawings and specifications to prepare for construction. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and take approximately one year to complete.

The Village has secured various federal grants to fund a majority of the project. We have been awarded $3,000,000 from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, $2,033,824 from the Surface Transportation Program, $62,000 from the Invest in Cook Program, and $517,400 from Congressman Mike Quigley as part of the 2024 Congressional Appropriations bill. This equals $5,613,224 in grant funding.

March 8, 2024 – Congressman Mike Quigley secures $517,400 as part of the Congressional Appropriations bill

November 29, 2023 – Village awarded $2,033,824 grant from the Surface Transportation Program

November 7, 2023 – Village Board awards contract to Ciorba Group, Inc. for engineering consulting services to complete Phase II Engineering

April 13, 2023 – Village awarded $3,000,000 grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program

August 19, 2022 – Village received Phase I Engineering approval from the Illinois Department of Transportation

June 30, 2021 – Village will launch a pre-recorded virtual presentation on July 14.  Public comment period will be from July 14 – August 13.

September 24, 2020 – Village awarded $62,000 from the Invest in Cook Program

February 18, 2020 – Village Board awards contract to Burns & McDonnell for engineering consulting services to complete Phase I Engineering

Phase I Project Development Report

Melas-Meadows Bridge Virtual Public Meeting

Matt Lawrie, PE
Village Engineer

Phone: 847-870-5640
Email: publicworksdept@mountprospect.org