Phase I Engineering for the West Branch DuPage River Trail, West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve to Blackwell Forest Preserve

The West Branch DuPage River Trail will be a 26‐mile‐long regional trail paralleling the DuPage River’s West Branch and will connect the North Central DuPage Regional Trail on the north to the East Brach DuPage River Trail on the south. While most of the trail is complete, the section between the West DuPage Woods Forest Preserve and the Blackwell Forest Preserve is still in the planning phase. The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has hired Lochner to provide Phase I planning services for this section of proposed trail.

Lochner performed an extensive exploration of various corridors within the project area, conducted structural studies, and developed several trail alternatives. These alternatives were presented to stakeholders at public meetings, where they were discussed and a preferred alternative was selected. Roughly 0.7 miles in length, the preferred design will cross two Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) roadways. The crossing of Garys Mill Road will be at‐grade with enhanced markings and signage to improve the safety of trail users. The crossing of Roosevelt Road (IL‐38) and the West Branch of the DuPage River will be an 800‐foot‐long composite of a tub structure, a curved steel beam section, and a prefabricated main span. This design reduces construction costs and long‐term maintenance concerns.

At the request of IDOT’s District 1 Bureau of Design and Environment (BDE), Lochner provided and detailed analysis that confirmed the proposed trail’s running grades and cross‐slopes were compliant to the American with Disabilities Act and Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines. Once analysis was completed, Lochner developed crossing details, which included detailed geometric design and proposed modifications to an existing traffic signal to accommodate pedestrian equipment. Lochner’s experience with alternative structural designs and pedestrian facilities resulted in a final design that met the diverse needs of trail users while working within the Forest Preserve District’s budget.