Community Corner
Ground Broken On Upgraded Trail To Link Lockport, Romeoville, Joliet
Once completed, the upgraded trail connects the Centennial and I&M trails and creates a continuous 14.5-mile scenic pathway in Will County.
ROMEOVILLE, IL — Local officials from Romeoville, Lockport, and the Forest Preserve District of Will County broke ground this week on an upgraded trail connection that will link the Centennial Trail with the I & M Trail and that will essentially link Lockport to Joliet when work is completed.
The trail connection, which is being paid for by a grant from CITGO, will create a continuous link of 14.5 miles that officials said will provide a scenic pathway that would allow a person to travel from Lemont to Joliet.
The trail allows for residents of several communities including Romeoville, Lockport, and surrounding Will County to enjoy the trail. The two villages and county will share in the maintenance of the trail, officials said.
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The master plan for the upgraded trail calls for new walkways and curbs, street graphics, a new parking area, benches, a bike repair station, new landscaping, and a mural that will be painted under the bridge, officials said.
The plan also calls for part of the trail to connect to the Romeoville Metra stop, officials announced.
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“This is truly a regional project,” Romeoville Mayor John Noak said. “This is a beautiful area and we hope the revamped trail connection will showcase it to even more people.”
Lockport Mayor Steven Streit said that he felt it is important for the region to be connected to various communities, including Joliet and the other cities and villages that are lined along the trail.
The Will County Forest Preserve has been working with Lockport and Romeoville officials on a number of trail projects. Officials said that the CITGO grant allows for the expansion of the bicycle and pedestrian network.
“The new enhanced scenic pathway will include a bike repair station, seating, and information kiosks, while also providing a safer connection between the Lockport and Romeoville communities,” said Jim Cristman, vice president and general manager of the CITGO Lemont Refinery.
The trail project is expected to be completed this fall.
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