Frequently-Asked Questions about the Patriot Path (IL137 Bike Path)

• Is this job funded?  Only Phase I (Preliminary Engineering and Environmental Studies) is fully funded in the 2018-2023 Five Year Highway Improvement Program. It is likely that the design and construction of the proposed path will be funded in stages due to the length of the project.
• What phase are we in?  We are in the early stages of Phase I engineering and environmental studies, the feasibility portion of the project. At this point we are trying to hone in on one or two preferred alignments for more detailed Phase I studies of the bike path.
• What is the timeline?  The current schedule targets Phase I to be complete in the spring of 2019.
• What are the next steps?  Once one or two preferred alignments are determined, detailed Phase I studies will begin. We will take an in-depth look at impacts to the environment and consider right-of-way, project benefits, and preliminary cost estimates. Throughout the process, we will continue coordination with stakeholders, other involved agencies, and also with businesses and homeowners potentially affected by the project.
• How will we cross the I-94 tollway?  The Illinois Tollway will be crossed via bridge, as well as the railroad immediately to the east. The location, type of structure, and size of the bridge that will carry the bike path will be studied and determined once we have narrowed down the preferred alignments to one or two alternatives.
• Is the path intended for commuters?  Its main purpose is to provide a safe alternative travel mode connecting residential and recreational areas on the west with employment, shopping and other modes of transportation (i.e. Metra's UP/North line) in the more urban area to the east. However, the path when constructed will serve both commuters and recreational users; connecting them to areas of interest in a safe manner off-road and separated from the high traffic volume roadway of IL137.
• Why are driveway impacts not considered?  Driveway impacts are common to all alternatives and inherent to all alignments. As such they are acknowledged, but not a major consideration in determining the most beneficial or preferred alignments for the new facility. 
• Who is Lake County's Project Manager?  Chuck Gleason is the Project Manager, and he will be working with a consultant team of HR Green, Christopher Burke, and Lochner.
• What is the approximate construction cost?  Currently, the approximately 5.5-mile-long bike path is estimated at approximately $26.7M. This includes costs for engineering, right-of-way acquisition, construction, and bridges and culverts needed to span waterways and some roadways.
• Can pedestrians use the path?  It will be a multi-use trail for all types of users (running, walking, rollerblading, biking, etc.) The proposed path will be 10 feet wide along all or nearly all of its length.
• What path connections does this project provide?  The Patriot Path will link two prominent north/south trails: The Des Plaines River Trail on the west, and the Robert McClory Trail on the east.
• Why do we need this path?  LCDOT places a high priority on non-motorized travel. Good transportation policy is based on the premise that the public right-of-way is to be shared, and that well-designed transportation corridors accommodate all users. This proposed path is an effective manner to connect people to places of employment, bus stops, train stations, and other places of interest.