Construction begins on Eagle Street Gateway in Naperville

Construction has begun on improvements to the Naperville Riverwalk at Eagle Street. This project, called the Eagle Street Gateway, is expected to be completed by early September. It is part of the 2031 Riverwalk Master Plan. The Eagle Street Gateway is the second project of the plan, which aims to upgrade and expand the Riverwalk ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2031. The first project was a prairie nature garden installed last year near Centennial Beach. The construction started earlier this month. Bill Novack, the director of Naperville’s Transportation, Engineering and Development department, has shared details about the project. Baumgartner Construction Inc., based in Naperville, is doing the work. Over the next six years, the city plans more than a dozen improvements. The City Council approved a budget of $3.5 million for the Gateway project. This includes making the area more accessible by adding ADA-compliant ramps and stairways. The project will also involve replacing retaining walls with landscaped terraces. During construction, visitors can still access the Riverwalk at Eagle Street south of the bridge at Farmer’s Plaza. The project costs will be partly funded by a $900,000 federal grant obtained by U.S. Rep. Bill Foster. Foster highlighted the importance of these upgrades, noting that they would make the Riverwalk more inclusive for everyone. Naperville Mayor Scott Wehrli also emphasized the community value of the Riverwalk and the city's commitment to enhancing it as a destination. The total investment for the 2031 initiative is expected to be in the millions. To support this, the Riverwalk 2031 Fund has been established to raise private funds for the master plan projects. A website has also been launched to inform the community about the Riverwalk’s upgrades.