There is a new feature on the landscape along U.S. Highway 30.
A prefabricated pedestrian bridge that will lead walkers, joggers and cyclists to the Old Plank Road Trail was hoisted over the highway in the “wee small hours” on a day this month, said Bruce Hodgdon, public information officer for the Will County Forest Preserve District.
With supports already in place on each side of the road, installing the steel bridge was relatively simple.
“They just welded it together and hoisted it up,” Hodgdon said.
The bridge is part of Hickory Creek Junction, the county’s newest forest preserve. The 34 forested acres, which opened late last fall, were designed to serve as an access point to the Old Plank Road Trail, he said.
Trail users will be able to park their cars in Hickory Creek Junction’s 84-space lot on the north side of U.S. Highway 30 then proceed to the trail on the south side, Hodgdon said.
When the project is completed, walkers, joggers, cyclists and in-line skaters will be able to travel a 20.8-mile trail through New Lenox into Joliet. A 12-mile section of trail will be ready for use in July, Hodgdon said.