CDOT trail projects create off-street shared-use corridors that bring new recreational facilities and public spaces to communities. Trails create safe outdoor places for people to walk, jog, bike, and skate while also providing an alternative transportation system within Chicago’s and the region’s expanding bike network. Trails offer numerous benefits to communities including health, transportation, economic, environmental, and social benefits.

CDOT is working with community members to identify potential infrastructure improvements along the abandoned Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railway right-of-way, from 16th Street & Sangamon Street to 32nd Street & Central Park Avenue, which passes through the Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods.

Community members in Pilsen and Little Village have long wanted to transform this abandoned industrial space into something beneficial for the community. By reimagining how the BNSF railway right-of-way can be used, community members have a unique opportunity to encourage social connection, support the local economy, and preserve their neighborhood identity.

Community engagement has begun with the abandoned BNSF railway right-of-way in Pilsen (Section 1). Engagement will follow with the Little Village section (Section 2), and commence with the active stretch of BNSF tracks running parallel to Blue Island (Section 3).

Section 1: Pilsen - 16th Street & Sangamon Street to Cermak Road & Laflin Street 

Section 2: Little Village - 26th Street & Western Avenue to 32nd Street & Central Park Avenue

Section 3: Blue Island - Blue Island Avenue & Laflin Street to 26th Street & Western Avenue

• Phase I Preliminarily Engineering and Environmental Study