In August, contractors began construction of the Kishwaukee-Kiwanis Multiuse Path (KKMP). Once completed, the KKMP will connect Prairie Park south of Lincoln Highway to the Northern Illinois University campus on the north side of Lincoln Highway. This provides a continuous off-street path from Devonaire Farms Subdivision to the Hopkins Park Pool, which links to the DeKalb Nature Trail.
In 2011, the DeKalb Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS) published a bicycle and pedestrian plan to enhance the regional connectivity of the DeKalb-Sycamore-Cortland trail system. This plan identified the KKMP as a critical component necessary to complete DeKalb County’s Greenway and Trails Master Plan.
Looking to capitalize on available grant funding, the City and DSATS applied for the highly coveted Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant. The application was successful, and the City received $732,000 for construction, $95,200 for engineering, $90,000 for right-of-way and $80,500 for construction inspection assistance. ITEP is a Federal grant administered by the State of Illinois.
Project construction began with the clearing of trees and brush. Contractors will then begin installation of a prefabricated structure that will secure the Union Pacific Railroad Bridge and stabilize the west bank of the Kishwaukee River. Once secure, contractors will construct a 10-foot asphalt path along the west bank for pedestrians and bicyclists.
The KKMP is scheduled for completion in late winter with landscaping restorations to take place in early spring of 2018. Weather may affect the projected completion date. The recently lifted Illinois budget impasse delayed construction for one month. However, the recent favorable weather has allowed the project to progress quickly.
The City will update residents as the project nears completion.
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