Support the Bridge! Sample Support Letter

Would you like to help improve traffic flow and decrease congestion in St. Charles?

If so, NOW is the time to make your voice heard.

The Red Gate Bridge project has entered a crucial stage where comments from the public are being accepted on the Phase 1 Environmental Assessment conducted for the project. These comments will be evaluated by federal and state officials responsible for reviewing the project.

The proposed 2-lane bridge will extend Red Gate Road over the Fox River between Route 31 and Route 25. It will include a bike trail from St. Charles North High School across the river to connect with the Fox River Trail near Pinelands Drive. The bridge will contribute to solutions to some local concerns including:

• Help to relieve traffic through downtown St. Charles 
• Improve response times for emergency vehicles north of St. Charles
• Improve community connections between the east and west sides of St. Charles and link neighborhoods on the east and west sides of the river
• Give residents another way to cross the river to get to schools, shopping, natural recreational areas, or work

A 2009 survey conducted by the City determined that the Red Gate Bridge is important to area residents:

• Traffic congestion for trips crossing the Fox River is viewed as “somewhat heavy” or “very heavy” by residents of St. Charles (77%), Campton Hills (83%), South Elgin (82%), and Wayne (57%).
• Residents support additional Fox River bridges as expressed by residents of St. Charles (75%), Campton Hills (75%), South Elgin (84%), and Wayne (55%).
• Of those who believe that additional bridges are necessary, over 80% support the Red Gate Bridge.

What You Can Do

We encourage you to submit a statement of support. You can use the sample letter below, or use the official public comment form.  Note:  Written comments must be submitted by mail or courier and delivered or postmarked by December 31, 2009.

You can also show your support by adding a "Support the Bridge" badge to your website.  Help us get the word out:  support the bridge!