Blackwell to West DuPage Woods - West Branch DuPage River Trail
Project Overview
The West Branch DuPage River Trail is a 26-mile regional trail that runs roughly parallel to the West Branch of the DuPage River.
When complete, it will connect the North Central DuPage Regional Trail on the north to Naperville and into Will County on the south. There it will intersect with the East Branch DuPage River Trail and continue south as the DuPage River Trail to Channahon.
The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County has worked with DuPage County, local municipalities, and park districts for decades to develop this trail.
With the completion of trail segments through downtown Winfield and along Fair Oaks Road from 2016 to 2018, the only remaining unfinished segment is located between Blackwell and West DuPage Woods forest preserves. This segment is approximately 0.7 miles long and includes a bridge crossing the West Branch of the DuPage River and Roosevelt Road (IL-38).
Dec
2025
Status: In Progress
On Dec. 17, 2025, the Illinois Department of Transportation awarded a $6,927,968.55 contract to Lorig Construction Company for the construction of this project.
Construction is scheduled to begin in March 2026, and it is anticipated to be completed in June 2027.
Funding
This project has received federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program and the Surface Transportation Program. These funds support engineering, construction engineering, and construction costs.
The estimated total project cost is $8.5 million, with the Forest Preserve District contributing approximately $1.88 million.
Current Cost Distribution
| Project Phase | Total Cost | Transportation Alternatives Program Funding | Surface Transportation Program Funding | FPDDC Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 Engineering | $224,853.56 | – | – | $224,853.56 |
| Phase 2 Engineering | $694,644.00 | $555,717.00 | – | $138,927.00 |
| Construction Engineering | $661,304.00 | $529,043.20 | – | $132,260.80 |
| Construction | $6,927,968.55 | $4,712,507.84 | $829,867.00 | $1,385,593.71 |
| Total | $8,508,770.11 | $5,797,268.04 | $829,867.00 | $1,881,635.07 |
Documents
West Branch DuPage River Trail Exhibit (PDF)
Public Information Summary (PDF)
