For many years the bike path between Tiffany Road and Hillside Avenue has flooded. This is due to the path being constructed several decades ago in the floodplain without a drainage system. The path also runs through wetlands. We understand that it was originally intended as a way to use Village property that would otherwise have limited public use, but it has turned out to be a heavily used amenity, despite its susceptibility to periodic flooding. With the recent heavy rains in the area, the path is now more flooded than usual.
Last year the Village began an engineering effort to define a solution. A plan has been developed to elevate the path and create drainage that will allow the path to be passable in all but the most serious flood conditions. That plan has been submitted to the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE), the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) for required permits. Last fall the ACOE issued their permit and last month the IDNR issued their permit. The Village, through it’s engineering consultants, is working on the final engineering revisions to gain the SMC permit. Once all the permits are in place the Village will begin the construction to fix the bike path. It is anticipated that work will begin this year.