CHAMPAIGN COUNTY, Ill. (WAND) — Construction on the next phase of the Kickapoo Rail Trail connecting St. Joseph to Ogden is set to begin in November.
The Champaign County Forest Preserve District said the 3.6 mile stretch is part of the final planned sections of the 24.5 mile multi-use trail that will eventually link Urbana to Kickapoo State Park.
Initial work will include site preparation along the former rail bed. Work on other remaining sections is expected to start in 2026, including 8.4 miles of trail in Vermilion County and 0.5 miles in Urbana near Weaver Park.
"We're excited to move forward with construction and bring this incredible amenity closer to completion for the people and communities of Champaign and Vermilion Counties," said Champaign County Forest Preserve District Executive Director Lorrie Pearson.
The forest preserve district said the project is experiencing a funding shortfall. They said the project got $11.2 million from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, but the lowest construction bid for completion of the trail exceeded available grant funds, leaving a $1.85 million gap.
The Forest Preserve Friends Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to secure the remaining funds by April 1, 2026. Updates and information on how to donate can be found on the Kickapoo Rail Trail website.
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