A Will County Forest Preserve District official says bicyclists should be able to take the Old Plank Road Trail to Park Forest in 2008.
Planning and operations director Marcy DeMauro said a $1.2 million, 1-mile extension of the trail should be completed by the fall of 2008.
More Top Picks Best Tankless Water Heater
To that end, the district is seeking an engineering firm to plan the extension west to Washington Street in Joliet from the current end point on Park Street. District Executive Director Michael Pasteris told the operations committee Thursday that the firm also will engineer a trail access-area with public parking, as well as a drinking fountain and latrine.
The City of Joliet, which owns the proposed access area and part of the right-of-way, is allowing their use for the trail.
The 21-mile trail, on the former PennCentral Railroad, provides access points with public parking in Matteson, Mokena and Frankfort.
In addition to bicyclists, the 10-foot-wide asphalt trail attracts hikers, skaters and cross-country skiers.
Pasteris, who also chairs the trail’s management commission, said the development completes the trail as originally planned.
A $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources will help offset the cost of the extension.