Chicago Officials Discuss Weber Spur Trail Project

The city held a public hearing regarding plans to convert a former rail line into a 2-mile mixed-use path.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Hiking

Bold vector editorial illustration of a gravel trail replacing a set of old railway tracks through a green park. — Chicago officials are advancing plans to convert a decommissioned Union Pacific rail line into a new two-mile mixed-use trail. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chicago Department of Transportation officials met to discuss the Weber Spur project, which aims to transform a decommissioned Union Pacific rail line into a 2-mile trail. The proposed path would connect the North Park, Mayfair, North Mayfair, Peterson Park, and Sauganash neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The project is intended to provide a critical connection between regional bike infrastructure networks. Currently, the city is negotiating the acquisition of the necessary land from the Union Pacific Railroad to move the development forward.

The proposed trail features a 12-foot-wide asphalt surface with a 2-foot shoulder, totaling 2 miles in length. The city has secured $45.88 million in federal funding toward the $81.9 million estimated total cost.

The players

Chicago Department of Transportation

This is the city agency responsible for planning, construction, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure in Chicago.

Union Pacific Railroad

This is a major North American railroad company that owns the land formerly used for rail operations along the Weber Spur.

Mike Quigley

He is a member of the U.S. House of Representatives who serves the 5th District of Illinois and secured federal funding for the project.

The details

The design includes rehabilitating four existing bridges over Elston Avenue, Foster Avenue, Peterson Avenue, and the North Branch of the Chicago River. Beyond initial path construction, the city is currently developing environmental impact studies and engineering plans.

2015: The last public meeting was held for the project.
February 2026: Representative Mike Quigley secured $850,000 in federal funding.
October 14, 2026: A public hearing was held at Northeastern Illinois University.
October 28, 2026: This is the deadline for submitting public comments.
2027: The city plans to start phase two of the project.

Culture Shift

The Weber Spur project reflects a broader urban trend of repurposing historical industrial rail corridors into recreational greenways. This shift prioritizes non-motorized regional connectivity over defunct freight infrastructure to meet modern transit demands.

Residents in North Park, Mayfair, North Mayfair, Peterson Park, and Sauganash will gain a direct link to a 2-mile pathway upon completion. The project timeline estimates construction will not begin until 2030, meaning local transit improvements remain several years away.

The takeaway

The Weber Spur project represents a long-term investment in regional connectivity for Chicago residents. Commuters and outdoor enthusiasts can expect the planning phase to continue through 2027 before construction begins.