The Sycamore Park District is pleased to announce that construction of the final segment of the Great Western Trail Extension Project is scheduled to begin on Monday, August 17, 2026, and is expected to continue through Sunday, October 4, 2026, weather and site conditions permitting.
During construction, trail users, nearby businesses, and residents may experience:
• Temporary trail closures or detours as work progresses
• Increased construction traffic and equipment in the area
• Periodic noise and dust associated with construction activities
The Great Western Trail follows nearly 19 miles of the former Chicago Great Western Railway corridor, connecting LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve in St. Charles to Sycamore Forest Preserve in Sycamore.
The first phase of the Sycamore extension, completed in 2021, added approximately 0.8 miles of trail, extending west to the intersection of Page and Pleasant Streets near downtown Sycamore. This final phase will continue the trail north across the Kishwaukee River into Old Mill Park. Once complete, users will have direct connections to Sycamore Middle School, Brickville Road, Sycamore Lake Rotary Park, Leon Larson Park, downtown Sycamore, and other existing trails and park amenities.
The Great Western Trail Extension Project was made possible through funding from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP). State and federal funding provided $3,090,718, covering approximately 75% of the total project cost. Planning for the project was guided by the DeKalb-Sycamore Area Transportation Study (DSATS) and informed by community feedback identifying improved trail connectivity as a priority.
“We appreciate the patience of trail users, residents, and our community partners as we’ve worked through the challenges that inevitably extended the project timeline,” said Jonelle Baily, Executive Director of the Sycamore Park District. “We’re excited to see this final segment become a reality and complete an important connection that will enhance recreation, transportation, and access throughout our community for years to come.”
The Sycamore Park District will continue to provide updates at sycparks.org or directly with those adjacent to the project if the construction schedule changes or if there are significant impacts to nearby properties.
For questions regarding the project, please contact the Sycamore Park District at (815) 895-3365. Thank you for your continued patience and support as we invest in a more connected community through our parks and trail system.
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