HARVEY – State Senator Napoleon Harris III secured over $5 million for the Village of Midlothian and City of Oak Forest’s Natalie Creek Trail Project. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
“The Natalie Creek Trail Project will give residents a safe activity to enjoy outdoors,” said Harris (D-Harvey). “I’m proud to help secure funding from the state for these projects and recognize that these projects could not happen without the diligent work of Midlothian and Oak Forest.”
In Midlothian, $3 million will be used to construct 2.77 miles of three segments of bike paths, sidewalk improvements and on-street signed bike routes. The project segments are located along 145th and 146th Street.
“We are extremely grateful to Senator Harris and the state for awarding the Village of Midlothian this money for our Natalie Creek Trail project,” said Midlothian Village President Gary L’Heureux. “We truly believe that upon completion, this trail will be a vital connectivity route between two existing trails and provide a safe and beautiful path for residents of our area to travel and exercise. This project has been stalled for years due to lack of funding and this award will finally allow us to bring it to completion.”
In Oak Forest, $2.2 million will be used to construct a 10-foot wide asphalt multi-use path along the north side of 151st Street between Ridgeland Avenue and Central Avenue.
The grants are part of IDOT’s commitment to improving non-motorized transportation options and supporting local infrastructure development across Illinois.
