The final segment of the Great Western Trail Extension project is beginning soon!
Construction scheduled to begin Monday, August 17, 2026 and is anticipated to continue through Sunday, October 4, 2026. (weather and site conditions permitting)
During this time, trail users and nearby businesses 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.
This project will bring it northward, across the Kishwaukee River, and into Old Mill Park. Made possible through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as these improvements are completed. This project will enhance the trail experience for residents and visitors while helping preserve this valuable community asset for years to come.
We will continue to provide updates should the schedule change or if there are any significant impacts to nearby properties. If you have any questions regarding the project, please feel free to contact the Sycamore Park District office at (815) 895-3365.
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we invest in our community’s parks and trails.
The Great Western Trail follows nearly 19 miles of the former Chicago Great Western Railway corridor, connecting LeRoy Oakes 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.