Taylor Avenue Underpass Opens In Glen Ellyn

GLEN ELLYN, IL --- After months of construction, the Taylor Avenue underpass in Glen Ellyn is now open. The underpass, which began in August, was ready just in time for its projected deadline of New Year's Day.

The $3.1 million pedestrian underpass was designed with a "grade-separated pedestrian crossing" to facilitate "safer and enhanced bicycle and pedestrian accommodation," according to village officials. Crews also removed the sidewalk to widen the roadway and make travel easier for public safety vehicles.

In a statement, Village President Diane McGinley said, "We can’t thank the entire Village of Glen Ellyn community enough for its patience and cooperation during the construction process. The project had closed traffic on Taylor Avenue for just over four months, one of the "challenges" that McGinley said will be outweighed by the projects future benefits.

She said, "While construction posed challenges for the community, we look forward to the benefits the improvements will provide for many years to come.”

Though the underpass is now open for pedestrian and vehicle traffic, crews are expected to continue work on lighting, parkway restoration, and other improvements.