Lake County Gazette

The Illinois Department of Transportation has given the green light to the proposed multi-use Patriot Path, paving the way for Lake County to progress into Phase 2 of the project and strategize future construction.

Ann Maine, vice-chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee and Board Member for District 3, said in a Lake County press release, "Over 20 years ago people in the communities along the path asked for a better way to get around on their bicycles. It’s thrilling that it is finally coming together after years of hard work."

According to another Lake County press release, plans are underway to construct the Patriot Path off-road along IL 137 from near Independence Grover Forest Preserve to Naval Station Great Lakes. The planned 5.5-mile trail would serve as a connector for other regional trails such as the Robert McClory Bike Path and Des Plaines River Trail.

The Patriot Path project will be constructed in four segments. | Lake County Board

The same press release also outlined that four segments have been designed for this project to streamline construction work. Construction on Segments 1 and 4 could commence as early as 2026, with work on these sections converging in the middle to complete the remaining segments.

The project, estimated at $30 million, enjoys support from local stakeholders as well as advocates in both state legislature and Congress, according to another Lake County press release. Construction for segments 1 and 4 has already secured nearly $9 million in state and federal funds.

Jennifer Clark, chair of the Public Works and Transportation Committee, stated in a Lake County press release that there are plans for $98 million worth of non-motorized travel accommodations over the next five years. An interactive map detailing available use paths and future plans can be accessed by visiting https://lakecountyil.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=7c98368d737d48ce91eed61518f117a5.