Work Well Underway on Phase 5 of TREC Trail Network

Print

Published on June 9 2017 5:55 pm
Last Updated on June 9 2017 5:55 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

What TREC Board Chairman Frank Brummer terms "the most important portion" of the TREC Trail network is well underway.

Phase 5 of the trail network runs from Phase 4, the portion that runs underneath Outer Belt West, uphill to the pedestrian and bicyle bridge that spans Interstates 57/70 on Effingham's west side. Brummer said that Phase 5, although just a quarter-mile long, is the phase that connects the city to the trail network.

Phase 5 is a public/private partnership. Brummer saluted Mayor Jeff Bloemker and the City Council for taking the lead role on Phase 5. The City, TREC, Truck Centers, Incorporated, and The Alliance all played a part in getting the project underway, though. Brummer said Truck Centers wanted to show their commitment to the City by donating land for Phase 5, and said the City, TREC and The Alliance all helped with funding for the endeavor. He said Phase 5 should be completed by this fall.

Brummer said 2018 should see the implementation of the bike trail network throughout the city including striping and bike racks as outlined in a master plan designed by local residents working the League of Illinois Bicyclists, now known as "Ride Illinois". Another 2018 project will be construction of a parking lot where Outer Belt West intersects with Calico Trail, replacing a small parking area that only accommodates a few vehicles.

Here's Greg Sapp's conversation with Frank Brummer about Phase 5 of the TREC Trail network...