WASHINGTON, March 10, 2005 ---- {Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed a $284 billion federal highway bill that outlines how federal transportation dollars will be allocated through 2009 -- a 42 percent increase over the last highway bill (1998-2003.)
The House bill (HR 3, also known as TEA-LU) will authorize $225.5 billion for highways, $52.3 billion for public transit and about $6 billion for various safety and research programs, through 2009. The bill will now head to the Senate. The Bush Administration has already announced support for the House bill.
Congressman Henry Hyde, R-Ill., personally secured $16 million for four transportation projects in the Sixth Congressional District -- $2 million more than he secured in last year’s version of the highway bill.
“This bill is good news for Illinois, not only for state motorists but also for people whose jobs depend on the transportation industry. This bill will create good-paying jobs and invest billions into the Illinois economy, and that is why I voted in favor of this bill,” Hyde said.
The following are the four individual earmarks that Congressman Hyde secured for four projects in his district:
Grade Separation at Irving Park and Wood Dale Roads
Congressman Hyde secured $14.3 million to realign Irving Park (State Highway 19) and construct grade separation for METRA tracks at Irving Park and Wood Dale Roads in Wood Dale. This was an increase of $2.7 million over the amount included in last year’s version of the highway bill.
Five different designs are currently under consideration for this $65 million project, which consists of realigning Irving Park Road to the north and building an overpass over the railroad tracks for both Irving Park and Wood Dale roads.
Congressman Hyde said: “Reconstructing this intersection was a very high priority of mine because of safety issues. This intersection ranks as the first and second most accident-prone intersection in the entire state for the last 10 years. More than 25,000 vehicles pass through this intersection each day, and too often, I see cars get stuck on the railroad tracks because the traffic in front of them stops abruptly when the traffic lights change. Vehicles, including emergency vehicles, also experience long delays at this intersection when the gates are lowered for freight trains or for METRA.
“This federal money will go a long way toward improving this dangerous intersection. I now hope that state, county and local officials, as well as METRA officials, will pledge additional funding so that this important project can continue to move forward. ”
Pedestrian Tunnel in Winfield
Congressman Hyde secured $1 million to help construct a pedestrian tunnel at a commuter rail lot in Winfield. Last year, Congressman Hyde secured a $1 million earmark in the 2005 omnibus appropriations bill for this same project. This bill has already been signed into law by the President.
Union Pacific (UPPR) has three main line tracks running in an east/west direction through downtown Winfield. The Village of Winfield is seeking funding for the construction of a 10-foot by 10-foot, reinforced concrete pedestrian tunnel at the Church Street commuter lot. This crossing is currently an at-grade crossing for pedestrians. The project’s cost is estimated at $2.5 million, of which $800,000 in state funding has already been secured.
Congressman Hyde said: “Rail traffic at that crossing is estimated at 100 trains per day, with more than 900 pedestrians using that dangerous crossing every day. Many of these pedestrians are schoolchildren walking to and from two nearby elementary schools and a middle school. Recently, a high school student was tragically killed while trying to cross these dangerous tracks.
“The Village has taken steps to improve safety at the crossing, including education and enforcement programs by the police department and the placement of a crossing guard at the crossing during peak periods. However, there are inherent dangers of an at-grade pedestrian crossing. For example, the tracks curve east and west of the crossing, making it even more difficult for pedestrians to see fast-approaching freight and commuter trains.
“Therefore, federal dollars for this project will help solve this grievous safety issue in the community of Winfield. Given this significant federal investment, I hope that state officials will now free-up state grant dollars that have previously been pledged to this project, allowing Village officials to complete this important safety project before another life is lost. I also urge Union Pacific officials to do their share in helping to fund and essentially complete this important safety project.”
East Branch of the DuPage River Greenway Trail
Congressman Hyde secured $400,000 to construct a portion of the Greenway Trail in Bloomingdale and Milton townships. Eventually, this trail will link several regional bike/walking paths together, including the North Central DuPage Regional Trail, the Illinois Prairie Path, the Great Western Trail and the future Southern DuPage County Regional Trail. The trail also will tie together several forest preserves and community parks. The estimated project cost for Milton and Bloomingdale townships is $10.5 million.
Congressman Hyde said: “Many people have contacted my office to express how important it is to have bike paths and walking paths in their neighborhoods. Although I could not secure full funding for this project, I was still able to secure a substantial amount of funding for this regional trail, which is important to so many of my constituents.”
Illinois Prairie Path Bridge
Congressman Hyde secured $300,000 to construct a new bridge over the East Branch of the DuPage River between Glen Ellyn and Lombard. The money will be used to replace a footbridge on the Illinois Prairie Path. The current 6-foot-wide bridge is in extremely poor condition. The new bridge will be wider, allowing for multiple users at the same time.
Congressman Hyde said: “The Illinois Prairie Path is an important part of a 52-miles recreational trail system managed by DuPage County. Pedestrians, bicyclists and horseback riders are frequent users of this trail and the bridge over the East Branch of the DuPage River. Therefore, federal dollars will help to pay for a new bridge that meets current safety standards.”
