The $200 million Longmeadow Parkway project in Kane County, IL, delivered a 5.6-mile, four-lane highway with a 788-foot bridge, providing a crucial multi-modal connection across the Fox River to the growing communities in western metropolitan Chicago. It is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken by Kane County, involving a decade-plus effort of planning and ongoing collaboration with multiple communities, agencies, and decision-makers. CMT was the lead consultant for the largest design section of Longmeadow Parkway, which included the signature Fox River Bridge.

Throughout the project’s development, significant efforts were made to balance infrastructure needs with the preservation of the area’s natural environment and aesthetics, particularly in the picturesque Fox River Valley. The project team conducted extensive surveys and implemented various mitigation plans to protect the local ecosystem, including endangered species, wetlands, and timber. Additionally, the team addressed significant contaminated soil discovered along the project path.

The ultimate bridge design was thoughtfully crafted to minimize environmental impact while blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The corridor-long multi-use path and bridge design provided new accessibility for pedestrians and bikers to better enjoy the beauty of this valuable regional asset.

Advancing a project of this magnitude involved innovative funding strategies and cost-saving measures. Initially, the project team conducted a feasibility effort to establish a first-of-its-kind county-based toll system and authority. Ultimately, success was achieved in securing state funding that eliminated the need for tolling. A formal value engineering study further optimized costs, resulting in $39 million in savings.

The Longmeadow Parkway Corridor officially opened on Aug. 29, 2024.