Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long will the project last? How long will construction last?
Completion of preliminary engineering, which includes all preliminary and final design prior to physical construction, is anticipated by the end of 2025. Phase II, the contract plan preparation and land acquisition phase, is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Depending on funding, construction will begin shortly after final design of the project is complete. Substantial completion of construction is anticipated by the end of 2029.
How much is this project going to cost and is the project already funded?
Preliminary estimates of cost used for planning purposes total approximately $135 million. Federal, State, and local stakeholders are committed to improving safety at this location. As such, preliminary and design engineering is 100% funded and the entire project is nearly 50% funded based on preliminary construction cost estimates.
Will there be land acquisition or removal of any residential homes or businesses? When will property acquisition relocations be determined?
Land acquisition will be required; it is expected that the removal of residential and/or business structures will also be required. Property impacts associated with the final alternative will be presented at the Public Hearing, which is anticipated to occur in the late summer/fall of 2025. Please stay informed through the project website and Village newsletter for upcoming dates.
How will this project impact access to business, residential areas, local entities (i.e., Village Hall), etc.?
Potential property impacts associated with alternative(s) were presented during Public Informational Meeting No. 2 in 2022. All materials to the first and second Public Information Meeting are located HERE. A preferred alternative will be presented at the Public Hearing in the late summer/fall of 2025. Please stay informed through the project website and Village newsletter for upcoming dates.
When will project alternatives be presented to the public?
Elmwood Park residents and business owners were able to review the alternative(s) carried forward in the second Public Informational Meeting in May of 2022. The Public Hearing, to be held in late summer/fall of 2025, will showcase the final geometric designs for the Grand Gateway project. To review the alternatives shared in May of 2022, please click here. Please stay informed through the project website and Village newsletter for upcoming dates.
How can people without internet access be kept informed about the project?
The Village of Elmwood Park will continue to provide project updates in their newsletter, which is mailed to all residents. People can also call Elli Cosky, Public Outreach Liaison, at 630-534-6400, ext. 106 to be added to the mailing list.
Why does the study area map show such a large amount of impact?
The identified project study area encompasses all possibilities for improvement (or impact) associated with each of the alternatives being considered. Considerations related to environment, vehicle traffic, rail traffic, and drainage for each alternative will fall within the limits identified, but not necessarily “impact” the entire area.
last updated: 4/30/2025
Completion of preliminary engineering, which includes all preliminary and final design prior to physical construction, is anticipated by the end of 2025. Phase II, the contract plan preparation and land acquisition phase, is anticipated to be completed by 2026. Depending on funding, construction will begin shortly after final design of the project is complete. Substantial completion of construction is anticipated by the end of 2029.
How much is this project going to cost and is the project already funded?
Preliminary estimates of cost used for planning purposes total approximately $135 million. Federal, State, and local stakeholders are committed to improving safety at this location. As such, preliminary and design engineering is 100% funded and the entire project is nearly 50% funded based on preliminary construction cost estimates.
Will there be land acquisition or removal of any residential homes or businesses? When will property acquisition relocations be determined?
Land acquisition will be required; it is expected that the removal of residential and/or business structures will also be required. Property impacts associated with the final alternative will be presented at the Public Hearing, which is anticipated to occur in the late summer/fall of 2025. Please stay informed through the project website and Village newsletter for upcoming dates.
How will this project impact access to business, residential areas, local entities (i.e., Village Hall), etc.?
Potential property impacts associated with alternative(s) were presented during Public Informational Meeting No. 2 in 2022. All materials to the first and second Public Information Meeting are located HERE. A preferred alternative will be presented at the Public Hearing in the late summer/fall of 2025. Please stay informed through the project website and Village newsletter for upcoming dates.
When will project alternatives be presented to the public?
Elmwood Park residents and business owners were able to review the alternative(s) carried forward in the second Public Informational Meeting in May of 2022. The Public Hearing, to be held in late summer/fall of 2025, will showcase the final geometric designs for the Grand Gateway project. To review the alternatives shared in May of 2022, please click here. Please stay informed through the project website and Village newsletter for upcoming dates.
How can people without internet access be kept informed about the project?
The Village of Elmwood Park will continue to provide project updates in their newsletter, which is mailed to all residents. People can also call Elli Cosky, Public Outreach Liaison, at 630-534-6400, ext. 106 to be added to the mailing list.
Why does the study area map show such a large amount of impact?
The identified project study area encompasses all possibilities for improvement (or impact) associated with each of the alternatives being considered. Considerations related to environment, vehicle traffic, rail traffic, and drainage for each alternative will fall within the limits identified, but not necessarily “impact” the entire area.
last updated: 4/30/2025
