NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced Thursday the City of Warrenville and the Forest Preserve District of Will County are set to receive a total of $7 million in grant funding to construct new multi-use paths, sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and boardwalks. The grant was awarded under the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“Investments in local infrastructure improve the quality of community resources and residents’ quality of living,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These public spaces offer an opportunity for residents to access local recreational sites and businesses, and this funding helps enhance their experience with new safety improvements.”

In the City of Warrenville, construction includes a new 10-foot wide multi-use path and a new 5-foot wide sidewalk that allows a safe, ADA-accessible path to commercial areas and existing pedestrian routes. The path and sidewalk will be located along the east and west sides of Illinois Route 59.

The Forest Preserve District of Will County plans construction for the DuPage River Greenway Trail on Weber Road and its north-south trail, including construction of two paved off-street multiuse trails, a pedestrian bridge, and an elevated boardwalk. Both projects are located in DuPage Township, including the municipalities of Naperville and Bolingbrook in Will County.

“My district will be pleased to have accessible, safe and high-quality pedestrian paths to use, especially as this allows for more outdoor walking and cycling,” said Ellman. “I look forward to seeing residents across the district benefit from these vital investments in their community projects.”

The grant is part of IDOT’s commitment to improving non-motorized transportation options and supporting local infrastructure development across Illinois.