Chicago Plans New Weber Spur Trail Connector

Residents in North Park and nearby areas review design plans for a new 2-mile path aimed at increasing regional mobility.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hiking

Chicago Plans New Weber Spur Trail Connector

Live Poll

Should your local government prioritize investing in new bicycle and pedestrian trail projects?

Chicago officials recently held a public meeting regarding the Weber Spur trail project, a planned 2-mile mixed-use path. This project aims to convert a former rail line into a community connector through several neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The trail is designed to link local neighborhoods to regional bike infrastructure, providing a new way for residents to integrate active movement into their daily routines. City planning is currently focused on securing land and finalizing designs to move the project forward.

Official city planning documents outline an $81.9 million total cost for the 2-mile trail, with $45.88 million already secured in federal funding. The final timeline for land acquisition from the Union Pacific Railroad remains currently unresolved.

The players

Chicago Department of Transportation

The city agency responsible for planning, designing, and maintaining public infrastructure and transportation networks.

Union Pacific Railroad

The freight railroad company currently negotiating the sale of former rail line property for the trail project.

Mike Quigley

The U.S. Representative who secured federal funding to support the development of local transit and infrastructure.

The details

The project will feature a 12-foot-wide asphalt surface with a 2-foot shoulder to support multiple forms of non-motorized transit. Engineering plans include critical infrastructure rehabilitations, specifically for bridges over Elston Avenue, Foster Avenue, the North Branch of the Chicago River, and Peterson Avenue. Once completed, the trail will function as a vital connector for the North Park, Mayfair, North Mayfair, Peterson Park, and Sauganash communities.

2015: Last public meeting held for the project.
February 2026: Rep. Mike Quigley secured $850,000 in federal funding.
October 14, 2026: Public hearing held at Northeastern Illinois University.
October 28, 2026: Deadline for submitting public comment.
2027: City plans to start phase two of the project.

Health Landscape

The Weber Spur project aligns with long-term regional efforts to expand safe, accessible corridors for physical activity. It follows the connectivity goals established by the Illinois Department of Transportation's Active Transportation Plan.

As this project moves through planning stages, residents should monitor how the trail connects to their neighborhood's existing transit options for walking or cycling. Questions regarding safety features or access points can be addressed during city-led public comment periods.

The takeaway

The Weber Spur project represents a significant effort to increase outdoor space for Chicago residents. Staying engaged during planning meetings is the best way to ensure community needs are reflected as the trail timeline progresses toward the projected 2030 construction start.

What happens next

Public comments on the project must be submitted by October 28, 2026. The city is scheduled to move into the second phase of engineering and construction planning in 2027, with the goal of breaking ground by 2030.