Trustees debate whether new Fox River pedestrian bridge should support emergency vehicles

The Fox River pedestrian bridge resurfaced as a contested capital item on the boards draft list. Public works staff said the bridge is a carryover project but asked whether trustees want to push it into 2026 or keep it for 2027; staff warned that design adjustments that lower vehicle load ratings reduce cost.

Public works said a higher load rating would allow emergency vehicles to cross and acknowledged that raises the price. One trustee pressed the board to weigh safety and usage: "That pedestrian bridge per tax key that that would serve is about $3,000 per tax key," a trustee said while comparing per-tax-key cost to other trail projects. Public works committed to returning with a revised smaller-bridge option and an estimate for a bridge that could support ambulances, so the board could compare budget impacts.

Trustees discussed whether an ambulance-capable design was necessary or if roadway access could provide sufficient emergency access. Staff said the countys requirements (clearance for boats and other constraints) also shape tower and span heights and therefore costs, and pledged to bring refined load-rating options back to the board.