Stearns Road project closes key portion of bike trail
The largest and most complex project in Kane County's history could cause delays and inconveniences for more than just motorists.
The $23.3 million Stearns Road Bridge project from the Kane and DuPage County line to Randall Road will shut down part of the Fox River Trail through South Elgin.
"It's not just a small weekend closing. It's an 18-month closing," said Laurie Metanchuk, Kane County Forest Preserve spokeswoman. "It's a big undertaking."
The closed section of the trail is north of the Jon J. Duerr Forest Preserve and south of County Park in South Elgin, on the river's west bank. The bridge to the Tekakwitha Forest Preserve will remain open.
The new 4.6-mile road will provide another much-needed path across the Fox River. Work began in October 2006 and is supposed to be done in late 2010.
Some estimate it will reduce traffic along Main Street (Route 64) in downtown St. Charles by at least 10 percent.
The forest preserve is working with the Kane County Division of Transportation on a possible detour or alternate route.