McHenry County starts new trail

McHenry County Conservation District has begun construction of a new 1.3-mile hiking and biking trail that will run from Lawrence Road in Harvard, and travel along Ramer Road to Maxon Road in Chemung.

The project includes grading and installation of a 10-foot asphalt trail and pedestrian bridge along the top north portion (25 feet) of the Chemung Railroad Corp. right of way.

The Conservation District Board of Trustees awarded low bidder Paulsen Paving of Woodstock the $507,591 contract. The project is being funded in part by a $200,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Bicycle Path Grant Program, with the balance having been set aside from the district's 2001 referendum monies.

The trail is expected to be completed by July.

This is Phase I of a three phase project. Conceptual plans for Phase II and III involve continuing the trail another 2 miles to White Oak Road in Chemung and then extending another 2.5 miles to the Boone County line.

For more information, call the McHenry County Conservation District at (815) 338-6223.