Welcome to Tri-Cities Central, a twice-weekly newsletter highlighting local happenings in Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, and surrounding communities.
Get yours: subscribe here. Refer a friend: share this link.
Union Pacific is working to prevent lead paint from peeling off its railroad bridge near Route 31 in St. Charles and ending up in the Fox River.
The project follows a state violation notice issued earlier this year, and more work is coming this fall and next spring.
Here’s what to know:
How it started: According to Shaw Local, a resident noticed large chips of old paint falling from the bridge, had the chips tested, and notified the city when the results showed lead. After the city flagged it to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Union Pacific was cited in May and required to submit a cleanup plan.
Phase one is done: A city official said Union Pacific cleared the fallen paint chips and debris from around the bridge over the summer as part of the state-approved plan.
More work this fall: Crews will return in the coming weeks to remove loose, peeling paint still on the bridge before it can fall.
Repainting in 2027: The bigger fix is expected in late spring 2027, when the bridge will be stripped of deteriorating material and repainted with safer coatings.
A city official said portions of North Second Street and the Great Western Trail bridge may close temporarily while the work is underway, so trail users and drivers should watch for detours.
Read the full Shaw Local article for more information.
📖 Thanks for reading
Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.
Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.