Work has begun on the next phase of the Lake Storey multi-use recreational path in Galesburg.
Starting today, March 24, crews began tree removal along South Lake Storey Road. That work is scheduled to be completed by April 1.
The tree removal clears the way for the next step: constructing earth embankments on sections of the project directly adjacent to the lake and extending existing roadway culverts. That portion of the work is expected to be completed by June 1.
Residents who visit the lake may notice the water level is lower than usual during this period. The city says lake levels will remain lowered during these initial project phases to allow for the earth embankment work and culvert extensions. Levels will return to normal once that phase wraps up around June 1.
Public Works Director Aaron Gavin previously told WGIL the culvert work is one of the more challenging aspects of the project.
“The existing roadway culverts will have to be extended further out into the lake, and earth embankment will be built up along the edge of the lake,” Gavin said.
Gavin said the design also emphasizes safety for path users.
“There will be a 5-foot separation between the path and the edge of the roadway,” he said. “The edge of the roadway will be built up to create a flat area for the path, and there will be a shoulder in between the path and road. In the curved sections of the existing roadway, guardrail will be constructed between the path and the roadway to provide protection to motorists and path users.”
On the bridge over the lake along U.S. Route 150, southbound traffic will be reduced from two lanes to one to accommodate a 10-foot-wide path, with a concrete barrier wall separating users from traffic.
This expansion is funded by more than $2.6 million in state grants and is being built in two phases. Work on the south side of Lake Storey is scheduled for completion during 2026. The path on the east side — completing the full loop around the lake — is scheduled for construction in 2027.
For full background on the project scope, see WGIL’s December 2025 story on the Lake Storey path project.
