Some news about the implementation of the Village's master bike plan

The plan identifies two major segments: Deerfield Road --- between Milwaukee and I-94 is the major east-west segment. Riverwoods Road -- between Deerfield Road and Duffy Lane is the major north-south segment. Future extensions on Saunders Road and Portwine Road would complete the network of multi-use, off-road paths.

The village has recently extended the path on Riverwoods Road -- and Lake County recently made path improvements on Deerfield Road, from Saunders Road east to Wilmot Road, including an underpass crossing of the I-94 ramp. These new segments link up, which means we have partly implemented the bike plan.

What's next is for the Village to extend a path on Deerfield Road, from Saunders Road west to Milwaukee Avenue - a very costly and extensive project. This project, especially crossing the Des Plaines River, needs the cooperation and resources of Lake County.

Fortunately, the County has announced its intention to fund and construct an off-road path from the Des Plaines River Trail along the south side of Deerfield Road to Thornmeadow Road in 2010. In addition to the path, the resurfacing of Deerfield Road in the future is to include paved on-street bike lanes, approximately 2 feet on either side of the street.

Given the County project, the Village Board now feels this is the time to undertake the planning and construction of the path segment between Thornmeadow and Saunders and apply for Federal funding to offset the construction costs.

To be eligible for Federal funding, the path will have to be designed to meet Federal guidelines for bicycle facilities - which at a minimum require a path that is at least 8 feet wide, with an additional 2 feet of clearance on either side. This is in contrast to the recently constructed path along Riverwoods Road, which is a narrower path that winds between the trees.

The first step toward qualifying for Federal funding is the preparation of a "Phase 1" engineering study. The Phase 1 study includes preliminary surveys and design work to establish the cross section and alignment of the facility, identify environmental impacts, determine whether additional right-of-way is required, design drainage improvements, analyze intersections, and develop a detailed estimate of construction costs.

Local groups and residents have expressed support for the construction of a bicycle facility along Deerfield Road; however, the Village Board would like to ensure that residents are as informed as possible about the size and likely impacts of the path and resurfacing improvements before committing the resources necessary for the Phase 1 study.

The Village Engineer has prepared a conceptual rendering of the proposed path that uses the same design elements employed by the County for its part of the path. More discussion of the project will take place in upcoming board meetings, the Village Board welcomes hearing your views about the project.

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