CME.03 – Chicago and Illinois Western Corridor Trail Feasibility Study
Team Members Heading link
- Carter Aldridge
- Alex Avalos
- Marcos Barron
- Carlos Bravo
- Kyle Eaheart
- Jeremy Yakes
Project Description Heading link
As part of the University of Illinois at Chicago Capstone Project, the CME 497 Group No. 3 focused on rail-to-trail conversions. Illinois has dozens of abandoned railways, including some in Chicago. The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is considering expanding pedestrian trails from abandoned railways in the city. The group completed a feasibility study and preliminary design alternatives for one specific trail proposal.
The project has a three-fold approach to improving the lives of local residents through rezoning abandoned land, improving air quality by promoting pedal commuting, and encouraging physical activity. This proposed trail uses abandoned Canadian National (CN) tracks in the Little Village neighborhood. The clients of this proposal will be IDOT, CDOT, and local government bodies. The group abided by the Illinois EPA and the Chicago Zoning and Land Use Ordinances and referenced the Chicago Building Code, AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, and the 2012 Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Bridge Manual. Design components include the path layout, bridges, trail signage, and intersections/crossings with existing trails/roads. The deliverables for this project include the feasibility study, maps showing the path overlaid onto existing terrain, sketches of proposed structures, a brief construction plan, and a cost estimate for the construction of the trail.
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