<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3IYbMJ_1H3o7J7O00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3IYbMJ_1H3o7J7O00" width="1320" height="880" ><figcaption>Joe Seymour, lead planning specialist with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, lays out improvements planned for the Cook County portion of the Illinois Prairie Path.(Photos by Igor Studenkov/For Chronicle Media)</figcaption></figure>One of the missing links on the Illinois Prairie Path will soon be addressed.Cook County is finalizing a plan to provide a full-fledged connection between Maywood and Forest Park.Joe Seymour, lead planning specialist with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, told members of the Illinois Prairie Path not-for-profit Corp. that the county is planning to create a separate side path to allow cyclists and walkers to reach as far as the Des Plaines River.The Prairie Path’s eastern expansion was discussed at the annual IPP members’ meeting Nov. 1 at the Mary Lubko Center in Wheaton.The Illinois Prairie Path is a walking and biking trail built over what used to be the Chicago Aurora and Elgin Railroad tracks, an electrically powered interurban rail line that connected much of west suburban Kane, DuPage and Cook counties to the Loop. It was one of the earliest rails-to-trails conversations, opening in 1963.Eastern extensionWhile most of the original CA&amp;E right of way survived, there are several sections that have been built over, and the trail essentially stops at First Avenue in Maywood.To connect to Forest Park, where CA&amp;E tracks used to join the ‘L’ tracks, walkers and bicyclists use the sidewalk on the north side of Maybrook Drive from First Avenue to the Des Plaines River, then use a small section of trail that crosses the river and runs through Concordia Cemetery, then go through a long stretch of CTA commuter parking lot.According to Forest Park officials, the ‘L’ station commuter lots haven’t seen as much use as they did before the COVID-19 pandemic.In 2023, the Cook Department of Transportation and Highways adopted a Bike Plan that seeks to improve bicycling infrastructure in 12 areas, including what its calling the Central Des Plaines River Trail Area. It commissioned the Active Transportation Alliance to study ways to improve cycling infrastructure in the area between Maybrook Drive and 26th Street, including a connection to Salt Creek Trail.Seymour said that his agency wanted to improve connection to Hines medical campus, which includes the Hines Veterans Administration Hospital and Loyola University Medical Center. The plan was to build a bike trail through the campus “to which the hospital system said, ‘No, you shouldn’t do that,’” Seymour stated.Since then, DoTH has been looking into building a trail along the west bank of the Des Plaines River.Early next year, the department will begin an engineering study to figure out the logistics, which could take two or three years to complete.In 2024, DoTH kicked off a study looking at improving the Maywood to Forest Park path infrastructure.“Like all good things, this has taken time. It’s just wrapping up,” Seymour said.Since the state controls First Avenue, DoTH is working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to add two crosswalks north of the Prairie Path trail head – at First Avenue to connect to the north side ofMaybrook Drive, and at Maybrook Drive to connect to new sidewalks. The plan is to fill in the current right-turn slip lane.According to a Prairie Path member who spoke at the meeting, cyclists often have to hurry crossing First Avenue. Seymour confirmed that there will be signals for cyclists and walkers.DoTH also plans to expand the sidewalk on the north side of Maybrook Drive to a 10-foot side path with shoulders. Streetlights will move to the south side of the roadway, and additional lights will be added for pedestrians.Since it is a county road, DoTH is not required to coordinate the plan with IDOT.“Narrower road [means] slow sped, gives more space for the people walking and biking,” Seymour said.Seymour said his department is in the process of responding to IDOT feedback, but, once that’s taken care of, the study should be complete. Once that happens, DoTH will need to do an engineering study to map out the particulars of what improvements will look like.DoTH has applied for an IDOT Enhancement Program grant, and Seymour said his department expects to receive the response next spring. The department is also looking at other state and federal funding sources. Once the funding is secured, the project is expected to take two or three years to complete.Car 321Villa Park Village President Kevin Patrick gave an update on the project to bring Car 321, one of the old Chicago Aurora &amp; Elgin rail cars, to the section of the trail near the old Ardmore Avenue station.While efforts to bring the rail car to Villa Park last spring didn’t pan out, he said that the plans have been adjusted, and the rail car will arrive next spring.The project is a collaboration among Villa Park, the Illinois Prairie Path, Fox River Trolley Museum, Illinois Railway Museum and local labor unions. When CA&amp;E shut down, Car 321 ended up at IRM, where it was used for spare parts.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3NuHNx_1H3o7J7O00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3NuHNx_1H3o7J7O00" width="1320" height="880" ><figcaption>Villa Park Village President Kevin Patrick gives an update on the effort to bring an old Chicago Aurora &amp; Elgin rail car to the village’s portion of the Prairie Path.</figcaption></figure>Originally, the plan was to deliver the rail car to Villa Park in the spring and have union laborers work on it there. However, Patrick told Prairie Path members, that plans have shifted, so now, the laborers are working on it at IRM. In the meantime, the village laid the track stub and the rail bed near the old Ardmore station where the rail car will be placed. A shed has also been designed.Patrick said a roof and platform will protect the rail car from the elements and make it easier for residents to get inside.“We’re going to put more or less a plaza around this car, dedicated to the history of the car in the area,” Patrick said. “We’re applying for grants to build out this plaza over time.”He reiterated what he told Chronicle Media last winter – that he and the other village officials believe Car 321 will help bring attention to Villa Park and attract more visitors.Prairie Path board member Ralph DiFebo, a major supporter of the project, said that the rail car “is going to be a landmark for the Prairie Path, it’s going to be destination for someone to ride to.”Since Car 321 has essentially been gutted, he said, the village can remodel the interior to host events. Patrick added that he thought it would be a good place for kids to meet Santa.“That is definitely something we’re looking forward to,” he said.</div></body>

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One of the missing links on the Illinois Prairie Path will soon be addressed. Cook County is finalizing a plan to provide a full-fledged connection between Maywood and Forest Park. Joe Seymour, lead planning specialist with the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, told members of the Illinois Prairie...

Cook County finalizing plan for Prairie Path improvements

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One of the missing links on the Illinois Prairie Path will soon be addressed. Cook County is finalizing a plan to provide a full-fledged connection between

Cook County finalizing plan for Prairie Path improvements

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