Sangamon Valley Trail to open 2011

By TIM LANDIS (tim.landis@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER
Posted Feb 03, 2010 @ 10:45 AM

The Sangamon Valley Trail should open in the spring or summer of 2011 local transportation and park district officials said at a press conference today outlining a construction schedule for the nearly $3.6 million project.

“Trails are one of the most challenging opportunities we put together, but they are worth it,” said Springfield Park District president Leslie Sgro said during an announcement held at the south end of the trail in Centennial Park.

The 5.5-mile trail will connect Stuart Park and Centennial Park along an old railroad bed on the west side of Sangamon County.

The cost includes nearly $2.9 million from federal economic-stimulus money, $568,000 from the county and $150,000 from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

County highway engineer Tim Zahrn said bid-letting is scheduled for April 23 with construction starting about four to six weeks later.

“It’s estimated it’s about a yearlong project, starting early to mid-construction season. It’ll carry over to 2011, so we’re looking at spring or early summer of 2011 (to open),” said Zahrn. He added that the work includes conversion of five former railroad bridges, similar to the work done on the Interurban and Wabash trails.

While no immediate funding is available, Sgro said the district next would begin to look at ways to connect existing recreation trails in the city and county. The park district will take over the Sangamon Valley Trail once it is completed.

“Not only will this create jobs. It’ll be a regional draw for tourism,” said Sgro.

Copyright 2010 The State Journal-Register. Some rights reserved.

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