Spruced-up bike path reopens in Lincolnshire
Improvements to a section of the Olde Half Day Road bike path in Lincolnshire are nearly complete and the path has reopened to the public.
The project focused on the section of path between Route 22 and the Village Green shopping center. It's on the north side of Olde Half Day Road, across the street from village hall.
A small portion of the path was reconfigured where it meets with the Lake County Forest Preserve District's Des Plaines River Trail at the river. More significantly, benches, trash cans, decorative lighting and landscaping were added.
Some trees were removed, too.
Additionally, a pedestrian crossing between the northern and southern portions of Village Green was reconfigured, and a button-activated sign with warning lights will be installed there to improve safety.
Officials wanted to enhance the path's appearance and make it more enjoyable for users, especially at the connection with the Des Plaines River Trail, Village Engineer Wally Dittrich said.
The work has taken about two months. All that remains is the installation of the crosswalk safety system and the activation of new lighting, Dittrich said.
Despite the outstanding items on the project checklist, the path is open to the public. Detour signs have been removed.
Construction cost about $250,000. A state transportation grant covered 80 percent of that sum, and the village will take care of the rest.