CME.10 – Illinois Prairie Path Improvements

• Anmar Kaloo
• Syeda
• Ayesha Kamran
• Ricky Ly
• Ramon Orozco
• Oscar Sotelo
• Piotr Wajda

The Illinois Prairie Path is a bike trail that spans for 61 miles from Wheaton, IL to Elgin and Aurora, IL (two-different trails). According to reviews of the Illinois Prairie Path, there have been several complaints regarding the safety of the trail. The safety concerns that this project will focus on is from concerns regarding Glen Ellyn, IL as these are perceived to be the most egregious. The dangers that have been brought to light in the project stem from the need of a guardrail, staircase, lighting, and other concerns that must be addressed.The project will improve the Illinois Prairie Path (IPP) around Glen Ellyn. The first improvement will be a guard rail at the IPP and Hills Avenue intersection. This crossing is at 451 Hill Avenue and Illinois Prairie Path (The northmost Intersection). This crossing requires a guardrail because of a conflict between trail users and vehicular traffic. The crossing on the top of the crest hinders the driver’s visibility, creating a hazard for pedestrians. This can be very dangerous, especially since there isn’t a stop sign at the crossing. Additionally, the trail runs diagonally across Hill Avenue which is a concern as it is best to mitigate the amount of time it takes the pedestrians and bike users to cross the path.The addition of a guardrail will guide pedestrians and cyclists to the safest path.Part of the improvement to the existing condition is adding signage to increase safety and awareness for pedestrian and bike users. One way this can be done is by placing a sign for each mile that gives information about the location and distance, adding signage to guide trail users to the closest areas around the trail that they are in, and adding a directory board map with sufficient LED light that shows the actual location of the trail user. One main concern is that there is a steep pathway that has many safety flaws from its steepness while traveling down or up the pathway.The next main design comes from creating a staircase in a pathway to leave or enter the path. Building stairs on these steep sections connects to the bike path on the trail to ensure a smooth transition to create a non-slip surface that allows riders to be safe even in wet or icy conditions. The handrails and proper lighting would also be installed, and flat landings would be included for cyclists to rest or pass each other safely. Also, to improve night visibility and safety for trial users, the project will focus on adding solar light poles with dual power along the regional bike path to provide sufficient lighting and increase safety during the night. Additionally, placing emergency push buttons with security cameras in some of the selected solar poles to improve the safety of bike users. Add an electric bike charging station with a resting area in fixed locations and regional bike paths to ensure all bike users can access bike charging stations during their rides.