Governor Releases Illinois FIRST Funds for Deerfield Transit Station Pedestrian Bridge

CHICAGO -- Governor George H. Ryan today released $110,000 in Illinois FIRST funds toward the design of a new pedestrian bridge to replace the worn-out one over Deerfield Road at the Metra Milwaukee District Deerfield station.

"The overpass will help improve the safety for commuters using public transportation," Ryan said. "In addition, this bridge connecting parking lots with the station will encourage even more use of mass transit and thus help reduce traffic congestion in the Chicago area."

The bridge reconstruction project includes alternative design solutions to make the station fully accessible for persons with disabilities. The construction cost of the replacement bridge is expected to be $700,000.

The Illinois FIRST grant comes from Operation GreenLight, a program that funds multi-modal transportation solutions to traffic congestion including transit improvement projects that attract more riders.