Butterfield Road bike path extension would provide important link in regional system
A detailed design of a key link to trail systems in Vernon Hills and Libertyville is expected to begin in spring.
As proposed, a multiuse path would run 1.1 miles along Butterfield Road between Allanson Road/Gregg's Parkway in Vernon Hills north to Libertyville Township's Canterbury Park at Golf Road.
The plan is being advanced by the Lake County Division of Transporation, whose priority is to connect that stretch for nonmotorized facilities under its jurisdiction. Besides roads, bridges and related facilities, LCDOT's system maintains and is responsible for about 60 miles of bike paths.
Two Lake County Board committees have recommended the full board on March 8 approve an agreement for $643,993 with TranSystems Corporation of Schaumburg to design the multiuse path.
This would be an extension of a trail segment on Butterfield between the EJ & E railroad and Gregg's Parkway built last year.
TranSystems was the consultant for that project, as well. Part of that contract included studying the feasibility of extending the path north to Canterbury Park, said Chuck Gleason, project manager for LCDOT.
“This new path will close a gap that will allow users numerous possibilities for walking or bicycling,” Gleason said.
The extension would be along the east side of Butterfield from Gregg's Parkway to North Huntington Drive. At that point, it would cross to the west side to link to the 1.74-mile network in Canterbury Park, which in turn connects with the North Shore Bike Path along Route 176 in Libertyville.
“Our trail was built to provide an important link to the regional trail system. I'm excited to hear there are plans underway to close a gap and improve access for more residents,” said Libertyville Township Supervisor Kathleen O'Connor.
If approved by the full county board as expected, TransSystems would prepare contract plans and documents for the extension. Associated tasks include identifying utilities, preparing an environmental study, coordinating meetings and working on right of way acquisition.
The schedule is to design the path this year to prepare for a construction bid letting early next year, Gleason said.
In Vernon Hills, an extensive path system in the Gregg's Landing subdivision east of Butterfield connects with busy Milwaukee Avenue. Recently completed work associated with the Hawthorn 2.0 project has provided a continuous path through Vernon Hills south to Lincolnshire.