Lindenhurst Park District wants input on underpass

It's a little tunnel with big possibilities.

A proposed pedestrian and bicycle underpass in Lindenhurst would not only provide safe passage for Lindenhurst area residents, it also would open up new recreational opportunities, officials say.

The underpass would be built on Grass Lake Road just west of Route 45, on the northern edge of the McDonald Woods Forest Preserve.

Lindenhurst Park District Director Tom Lippert said the underpass will be a vital link between parks in town and would also allow kids to walk or ride their bikes to Millburn West School.

"Having this in place would benefit not only the hikers, bikers and those using the parks, it's a safety issue as well," Lippert said.

A public information meeting is set for 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at Millburn West School, 640 Freedom Way in Lindenhurst. Officials will detail the plans and listen to comments and concerns from residents.

The tunnel would connect McDonald Woods and adjacent Forest View Park with the proposed Oak Ridge Park on 18 acres just to the north.

Oak Ridge is years away from being built, but plans include two soccer fields, a disc golf course and connections to local trails and Lake County's Millennium Trail System.

Planners imagine a benefit for Millburn West students who live in the subdivisions south of Grass Lake Road. The kids would have a safe cut-through passing under the heavily traveled street.

A number of other governmental entities are involved with the project. The Village of Lindenhurst, Lake County Forest Preserve District, Millburn School District 24 and the Lake County Division of Transportation all have an interest. Representatives, including Lindenhurst Mayor Susan Lahr, Lake County Board Chairwoman Suzi Schmidt and Forest board President Bonnie Thompson Carter plan to attend the meeting, Lippert said.

Early cost estimates are between $1.5 and $2 million. Officials say the money would come from assorted grants secured by the government agencies involved. Lippert said there is no plan to raise taxes to pay for the project.

It's too early to guess when construction might happen. "The grant process can be slow," he said.