Village of Plainfield Transportation Plan RECOMMENDED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PLAINFIELD TRAIL NETWORK Gaps along the shared-use paths- Existing shared-use paths in Plainfield were typically constructed during the development of each parcel. This has created sections of the path that are disconnected due to undeveloped parcels. At such locations, the path abruptly stops at the parcel boundary. If an adjacent parcel is undeveloped at the time of construction of the pathway, a temporary paved connection should be made to the road with lane markings of the road connecting it to the next shared-use path location (provided the roadway is sufficiently wide to accommodate bike use per the preceding section). Figure 4.8 Shared Use Path Gap The adjacent picture shows one such location along Van Dyke Road where a shared-use path on the west side of the road abruptly ends.
Connections across rivers and creeks- The DuPage River and smaller creeks within Plainfield currently create breaks in the trail system because the trails do not continue across the existing bridges. Pedestrian bridges are needed at such locations along the proposed trails. Connection to regional trails- The DuPage River Trail is an important regional trail within the planning area. It is planned to run continuously from Naperville to the I&M Canal Trail in Channahon. Completion of this trail is a goal of the Plainfield Park District. The trail will run through the heart of the Village, connecting downtown with surrounding neighborhoods and recreational amenities like Mather Woods, Settler‘s Park and Eaton Preserve. Many sections along this trail are currently incomplete. The Park District has been actively seeking grants to assist in trail completion. While outside the planning area, future connections of the trail network to the surrounding trail systems of Will and Kendall County are recognized and indicated on the trails map (Exhibit 6). Future Connections - The Illinois Highway Code (605 ILCS 5/4-220 new) states that bicycle and pedestrian ways shall be given full consideration in the planning and development of transportation facilities, including the incorporation of such ways into State plans and programs. Portions of several State highways have been designated as a bikeway in this Plan. As the State moves forward to improve IL 126, IL 59, and US 30, the Village must work with the IDOT to review each project and determine if it is eligible for consideration of bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. Different jurisdictions in charge of the trail sections- The trail system within the Plainfield planning area includes the Plainfield Park District, Will County Forest Preserve and Kendall County. Coordination will be needed between these agencies to make sure that the trail network is seamless. Page | 20