Many of the rail lines are still in active service. Bridges need to built over the active rail lines to ensure the safety of all trail users.
Wheaton (at Mile Marker Zero) - In the summer of 2010, DuPage County, the City of Wheaton, and the State of Illinois replaced segment of the Volunteer Bridge (built in 1983 by trail volunteers). The construction crew reused the old iron truss over the Union Pacific Railroad from the Volunteer Bridge. The new segment of the bridge has T-shaped piers that hold the new section of the bridge. This work was performed during a complete rehab of Manchester Road.
Wayne (between Smith Road and Army Trail Roads) - In the past, trail users had to walk up and down stairs and then cross the Canadian National railroad tracks at grade and without a train signal. The new bridge, built by DuPage County and the State of Illinois in the summer of 2010, has two column supports, high railings on the side and a new type of deck surface that benefits equestrians.
The Main Stem of the IPP trailhead begins near Maywood. Traffic along First Avenue near the trailhead is constant. Years ago, IPP volunteers planted prairie flowers and grasses in the first 100 feet on both sides of the trailhead path. Only a low cable fence separated the plants from traffic. Trail users needed more amenities at the trailhead.
In 2009, groups came together to improve and beautify the IPP trailhead. Final touches were added in the spring of 2010. Now, bicyclists and hikers stop at the trailhead to rest, fill their water bottles and take in all of the beautiful colors, textures and amenities.
A round entry-way (a 40 foot paved circular medallion) was created and includes:
The DuPage County Trail Maintenance Task Force continues work with Commonwealth Edison to better manage vegetation along the IPP trail system that can interfere with power lines.
In September 2009, DuPage County and ComEd completed the removal of selected trees from the IPP in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Lombard, and along the Great Western Trail in Lombard, Glen Ellyn, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream and Winfield. In October 2009, a replanting plan was approved and by December, ComEd replanted 750 new native shrubs. In the summer of 2010, an inspection of the shrubs revealed almost all appeared to be flourishing.
Also, working closely with DuPage County and the Forest Preserve District, ComEd funded and implemented an approved restoration plan at sites along the IPP Geneva Spur at West Chicago Prairie and the Great Western Trail at Timber Ridge Forest Preserve. An initial inspection revealed various plants were successfully sprouting.
Winfield is an activity hub, with trail connections to the Great Western Trail, the Elgin Branch and the Geneva Spur of the Illinois Prairie Path. However, there isn't any trail system along the river that runs from these existing trails through downtown Winfield.
The Winfield Riverwalk project is a proposed pathway along the West Branch of the DuPage River that will offer recreation, education and health opportunities for Winfield residents and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as the Winfield community and area businesses. The planning is complete. Engineering is underway. Funds are being raised to support the project.
In 2000, through a life-estate agreement with renowned philanthropist and equestrian Brooks McCormick, the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County acquired the St. James Farm (a 607-acre estate full of amenities) in Warrenville. In 2007, the District took formal possession of the preserve. In April 2010, the District Board of Commissioners approved a master plan for development of the preserve that took into consideration public comments raised during the review and comment period. The farm property was not directly connected to any major trail systems.
St. James Farm will connect with the Illinois Prairie Path's Aurora Branch. The plan's proposed multipurpose trail system will connect both sides of St. James Farm via the existing Butterfield Road underpass, connecting the IPP to a neighborhood and middle school in the south of the preserve, and to other forest preserve trails that lead to Herrick Lake, Blackwell and Warrenville Grove forest preserves.
The District previously applied to the Department of Transportation for a Recreational Trails Program (RTP) grant that would contribute funding toward a trail loop near the main farm area that connects to the IPP. The RTP grant is expected to be awarded soon.
For more information go to: www.dupageforest.com/Conservation/ForestPreserves/StJamesFarm. Donations can be made by contacting Kathi Wagner, Director of Fundraising and Development at 630-933-7097.
Construction during the Stearns Road expansion project has posed many challenges for Illinois Prairie Path trail users throughout 2009 & 2010.
The Illinois Prairie Path now open and has been rerouted along the east side of Dunham Road through a newly built tunnel under Stearns Road then the Illinois Prairie Path turns sharply west through a newly built tunnel under Rt. 25 and proceeds to the existing path from there. At the point between the two new tunnels, the Illinois Prairie Path now meets up with the existing trail system in the James "Pate" Phillip State Park.