$7.2 million North Branch Trail under construction

The Forest Preserves of Cook County this week broke ground on a $7.2 million project to extend the 18 mile North Branch Trail from Lechowicz Woods in Chicago three miles farther to Gompers Park near LaBaugh Woods and Irene C. Hernandez Picnic Grove at Foster Avenue.

The trail currently runs from Lake County, where it connects to the Green Bay Trail, through Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe and eight other North Shore suburbs to Lechowicz Woods. The trail extension, which is being done in two stages, the first of which will be completed next spring, will connect with the city's future Weber Spur trail and its Complete Streets initiative for on-street bikeways.

"This allows us to eventually connect one of the forest preserves' trails to the city of Chicago's Lakefront Trail, which has been part of both agencies' long-range plans to bring together two of the region's best-used trails," forest preserve General Superintendent Arnold Randall said.

Eighty percent of the cost is being federally funded with the remaining 20 percent funded by the forest preserves and city Open Space Impact Fee Funds collected from new residential developments.

The trail extension "will encourage more outdoor activities, boost bicycling and provide a healthy transportation alternative," said Chicago Alderman Margaret Laurino, who helped obtain city funding.

For a trail map and information on bike rental opportunities, go to www.fpdcc.com.