Urgent Update: New Safe Pathway Planned for Yorkville Residents

UPDATE: A new multi-use pedestrian and bicycle pathway along Cannonball Trail in Yorkville is officially underway, but residents should expect a lengthy timeline for its completion. The city is responding to increased safety concerns following a serious cycling incident, prompting a $20,000 feasibility study to explore options for a safer connection between U.S. Route 34 and Illinois Route 47.

The proposed path will extend over a mile, linking the Kendall Marketplace to Route 47. City officials are considering four design options, with cost estimates ranging from $669,000 to $1,025,000. Each design varies in its approach, with city staff evaluating the implications of construction intensity, right-of-way acquisition, and utility conflicts.

The public works committee has discussed the pros and cons of each option, emphasizing that the final decision may hinge on potential grant funding. The city plans to apply for support through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), which previously awarded $3 million for safer transportation initiatives in the downtown area. If successful, construction on the pathway could begin as early as 2030.

Currently, a bicycle path exists on Cannonball Trail from Route 34 to Blackberry Shore Lane, but officials aim to create a 10-foot wide shared-use path that connects to this existing route. Among the four designs, the cheapest option at $669,000 would create a path on the north side from Blackberry Shore Lane to Alice Avenue, utilizing on-street bike lanes on Alice Avenue and Faxon Road. However, this option does not directly connect to Amanda Lane or Patricia Lane.

A second option at $766,000 would run the full length of Cannonball Trail and provide connections to Amanda Lane and Patricia Lane. The third option, priced at $795,000, would offer a direct link between Route 34 and Route 47 but would not connect to Amanda Lane or Patricia Lane.

Officials highlight the importance of this project in enhancing transportation safety across Yorkville, particularly in light of ongoing construction on Route 47, which includes a new multi-use bicycle and pedestrian lane on bridges along the roadway. As city officials work to connect existing subdivisions and pathways, they envision a comprehensive network that improves access and safety for all residents.

Stay tuned for further updates as the city moves forward with this critical development. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and voice their opinions as plans progress. This project not only aims to enhance safety but also to foster a stronger community connection throughout Yorkville along the scenic Fox River.