Study Overview

The purpose of the Old Plank Road Trail Extension Feasibility Study is to identify and assess the feasibility of a connection between the existing eastern terminus of the Old Plank Road Trail (OPRT), at the Thorn Creek Trail in Chicago Heights, IL, and the Pennsy Greenway in Schererville, Indiana. The study will result in the recommendation of a preferred trail alignment, which can be carried forward for further development.

The project partners include six municipalities (Chicago Heights, Ford Heights, Sauk Village, Lynwood, Dyer, and Schererville), the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA), the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission (NIRPC), Cook County, the Forest Preserves of Cook and Will Counties, Openlands and Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.

Study Area

The study area encompasses the six municipalities between the existing Old Plank Road Trail eastern terminus and the Pennsy Greenway, including Chicago Heights, Ford Heights, Sauk Village, Lynwood, Dyer, and Schererville. As a part of this study, the team is assessing the feasibility of repurposing an inactive Norfolk Southern rail line in the center of the study area. The rail line was identified by community partners as a potential trail alignment. The study also includes identifies on and off-street bike route connections between the proposed OPRT extension and community destinations. Click here to see a map of the study area.

Study Goals

  • Identify a preferred trail alignment that is safe, feasible, cost-effective, and consistent with community input and preferences.

  • Increase walking and biking connectivity between community destinations and the future OPRT extension.

  • Increase awareness of the existing OPRT, share community benefits of a trail extension and Trail-Oriented Development, and receive robust community input.

  • Provide a turn-key implementation strategy that study area agencies can use to move the project forward, aligning near and mid-term actions with available financial resources.

Community Benefits

Once completed, this bi-state trail connection will bridge a critical gap in the regional trail system, connect residents and visitors to key destinations, and help to realize a larger vision aimed at revitalizing the Chicago Southland and supporting active, safe, and healthy communities across the Calumet region. The benefits of this regional project are far-reaching and include public health, economic, and transportation benefits, as well as positive effects on community pride and identity. A comprehensive trail network would serve as an economic engine for the region, allowing residents and tourists to explore the area and venture into communities near and far to shop in stores, relax in parks, and visit cultural attractions. The OPRT extension will meet the Pennsy Greenway, which connects north to the Burnham Greenway, Cal-Sag and Lakefront Trails, and Chicago. The trail will also connect to the new Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) West Lake Corridor Project, which will provide a vital transportation link between Chicago, Cook County, and northwest Indiana.

Study Timeline

Get Involved

Public input is essential in establishing a trail extension that provides the greatest benefit to community members and regional trail users. Multiple community input opportunities will be offered throughout the study. A public survey, study team attendance at local events and a public meeting are just a few ways the project team will connect with you to gather your input.