Note: This story has been updated to answer an additional question.
When can we expect to be able to take an extended walk about Lake Storey?
The Lake Storey Trail Extension furthers the city’s plan for completing a continuous trail around Lake Storey. There is an existing path system on the north and west sides of the lake. This proposed project extends the existing path along the south side of Lake Storey and further promotes the city’s Comprehensive Plan and Parks and Recreation Plan for the Lake Storey area.
An online reader of wgil.com submitted the following question via email:
Question: What is the status of the trail expansion project around Lake Storey? What will it entail, and what is the price tag?
Answer: WGIL turned to Aaron Gavin, city engineer, who said:
What is the project?
There are two phases to the project that will ultimately complete the loop around Lake Storey. The first phase is to construct a 10′ wide multi-use path from West Lake Storey Road to Woodblock Road west of US 150. The second phase is to continue the path north from Woodblock Road on city property, connect to US 150, and extend over the US 150 bridge over Lake Storey to connect to the existing path system on the north side of Lake Storey.
In addition to the new path project on the south side of the lake, the city has been working over the last several years to widen the existing path on the north side from 6 foot wide to 10 foot wide. Approximately 1,500 feet of the existing path has been widened and improved to date.
What is the status?
The first phase of the new path system is scheduled to be on a state letting in November with construction starting in the spring of 2025. The second phase of the path will follow directly after, likely sometime in 2026.
How is it funded?
The project is funded largely by an Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant — 80% for Phase 1 and 90% for Phase 2. The city is responsible for the remaining 20% of the costs through local funds.
The breakdown is:
Path Phase 1
ITEP – $2 million
City – $500,000
Path Phase 2
ITEP – $655,000
City – $72,500
Question 2: Is the 10 foot path along South Lake Storey Road going to be a stand alone path or is there going to be a bike lane incorporated on the roadway? The stretch between West Lake Storey Road and Woodblock Road is dangerous and very narrow already.
Answer: The 10 foot path will be separated from the edge of the roadway by approximately 4 to 5 feet at minimum and is designed to be used by both bicycles and pedestrians. In the curved sections of South Lake Storey Road, the path will be a little further off the edge of the road and a guardrail will be installed between the path and the roadway. — Aaron Gavin, City Engineer
Do you have a question about something in Galesburg? Email jayr@wgil.com.
