Construction Underway to Connect Gap in West Branch DuPage River Trail

Submission by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Construction was slated to start this past week on a new 1.4-mile stretch of the West Branch DuPage River Trail, the result of a Forest Preserve District of DuPage County partnership with Carol Stream and the Wayne Township Road District.

The asphalt trail along Fair Oaks Road will fill a gap in the West Branch DuPage River Trail between St. Charles Road at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve and Lies Road at West Branch Forest Preserve. It will include a link along St. Charles between Fair Oaks and Benjamin Middle School and another along Fair Oaks between Lies and a local trail near Army TrailRoad. Construction should be completed by the end of the year.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate to help make this vital trail segment possible,” said Forest Preserve District of DuPage County President Joe Cantore. “It’s an important link for bicyclists and other trail users.”

The village of Carol Stream obtained $1.5 million in matching grant funds for the project, to which the Forest Preserve District contributed $248,600. The District also transferred right-of-way for the trail at no cost. Carol Stream and Wayne Township Road District contributed the remainder of the matching funds and will be responsible for maintenance of the trail.

“We strive to continually improve our preserves and amenities so they can be a recreational and environmental benefit to our visitors,” said Forest Preserve District Commissioner Al Murphy, District 6. “This trail connection will provide people with even more ways to enjoy and connect to nature.”