Raymond Street Tunnel and Fox River Trail

Our team performed the Phase I and Phase II services on this project for the Kane County Forest Preserve District to provide connection for the existing Fox River Regional Bike Trail from the west side of the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks to the east side of the railroad tracks in the Raymond Street Forest Preserve in Elgin, Illinois. The project included a proposed tunnel and multi-use path design.

The original east-west connection traversed under the tracks at the UPRR Bridge over Poplar Creek on a pre-engineered bicycle bridge attached to the south abutment of the bridge through the arch opening of the railroad bridge. Flooding in 2008 and 2013 of Poplar Creek damaged the bridge and required the closing of the bridge and ultimately the removal of the bridge and the east-west path connection. A proposed 12-foot inside diameter steel casing pipe bored and jacked under the UPRR tracks will provide connectivity.

Wetlands impacts were identified in the Project Development Report and mitigation is required. Wetland mitigation for this project will be provided by providing wetland credits from wetlands created on Forest Preserve property.

This connection provides a vital link for the Fox River Trail in the Raymond Street Forest Preserve while upholding the Forest Preserve District's mission to “preserve such lands for the education, recreation, and pleasure of all its citizens.”

Scope of Services provided include:

• Early Coordination & Data Review

• Topographic Survey

• Utility Coordination

• Trail/Path & Tunnel Plans

• Permitting and Environmental Coordination

• Right of Way/Easement Plans