The Town of Normal will extend Constitution Trail on the west side of town, thanks to a $1.9 million federal grant announced by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.
The money will fund engineering and construction of the new stretch of trail that will extend the current endpoint at Gregory Street and Parkside to the west and south.
“Our plan is to extend the trail through Maxwell Park south to College Avenue. Ultimately, it will connect to the new West College trail that extends all the way to Rivian Motorway,” City Manager Pam Reece said in a WGLT interview.
The town will pay a $475,000 local match. Construction on extension could begin as soon as 2028. The planned addition will include a part of Normal historically underserved by trail access, the town said in a news release.
“I thank Sen. Durbin for securing funds for the Town of Normal,” said Mayor Chris Koos. “This investment will allow the town to extend the Constitution Trail in west Normal, connecting the trail to major employers and promoting multi-modal travel by separating pedestrians and cyclists from vehicles.”
Reece indicated public input has consistently made Constitution Trail a priority. It is part of both the town’s strategic and sustainability plans, she said, adding the town hopes to complete other trail additions over time.
“We've looked at the possibility of, from this area on Gregory Street at Parkside, to also go north toward Raab Road and then down Raab Road to connect to the trail that exists at Heartland Community College. It would make it a big loop,” said Reece.
