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On July 16, 53 Neighbors United participated in a meeting with IDOT,
bicycling lobbiests and government agencies to
discuss plans for bicycle paths along Route 53 from North Avenue to Roosevelt
Road.
Attendees
At the meeting a proposed design was agreed upon by all parties.
Proposed Design
- it is off-road, 8-10 feet wide where there are houses , up to 12-foot wide
in non-residential sections.
- it will be constructed of asphalt
- it will run the full length of project, connecting the Great Western Trail,
the Illinois Prairie Path, Lombard Park district and Glen Ellyn Park
District.
- the proposed path of the trail would be along the west side of
Route 53 from North Avenue to the Great Western Trail. At the Great
Western Trail it would cross over Route 53. From the Great Western Trail
it would continue on the east/south side of the road until just west of I-355.
Where Route 53 crosses the East Branch of the DuPage River, Route 53 will
be elevated 5' above the current grade and bicycle tunnel with 7' clearance will
cross under Route 53 and go through the Glen Ellyn Park District Spring Road Facility.
From Spring Rooad to Roosevelt it will continue on the west/north side of Route
53.
- It was requested that IDOT pay 80% of the cost of the bike trail.
At this time IDOT is only funding 50%. Although IDOT may be able to
participate in the funding of the paths up to 80%, it would only be through
other funding sources such as CMAQ, Enhancement or STP funds that 80% match
would be possible.
Other discussion points
- Either shoulders or wider outer lanes will be needed if off-road bike paths
are not constructed. Shoulders would add approximately 7 feet to each
side of the road. On-road bike paths would be 3-4 feet and would require
at least 14-foot outer lanes. The current design
has 12 foot outer lanes.
- Construction of an off-road bike path would eliminate the need for a
sidewalk on the side of the road where the bike path is. IDOT funds
sidewalks at 50%.
- The villages and the county would need to commit to the initial funding and
to maintenance. Maintenance costs would not begin for approximately 10
years. Citizens groups like ours may be asked to lobby their local
governments for funding.
 Official
IDOT meeting minutes for the meeting.
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