Naperville Council Adopts 20-Year Pedestrian Plan

The city unanimously approved a comprehensive framework to expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure over the next two decades.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Financial Planning

Naperville Council Adopts 20-Year Pedestrian Plan

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The Naperville City Council has officially adopted an updated 20-year master plan to enhance bicycle and pedestrian connectivity throughout the city. The initiative includes a wide-ranging set of infrastructure improvements and a new feasibility study for a tunnel between Washington and Mill streets.

Why it matters

This plan provides a long-term roadmap for modernizing Naperville's transportation network to better accommodate non-motorized travel. By prioritizing safer and more efficient routes, the city aims to improve mobility options for residents across the region.

The plan recommends 113 projects, including 32 miles of low-stress routes, 15 miles of new bike lanes, and 37 miles of side paths. An additional 12.2 miles of existing facilities are slated for upgrades.

The players

Naperville City Council

This is the primary legislative body responsible for overseeing municipal policies, ordinances, and infrastructure funding for the city of Naperville.

Transportation Advisory Board

This board acts as a formal advisory group that reviews infrastructure proposals and makes recommendations to the city council.

A. Epstein and Sons International Inc.

This professional consulting firm specializes in engineering and planning services for public infrastructure projects.

The details

Facilitated by consultant A. Epstein and Sons International Inc., the update process utilized network evaluations and public input to identify connectivity gaps. The plan also incorporates a specific study regarding the feasibility of constructing a pedestrian and bicycle tunnel under the railroad tracks near Washington and Mill streets.

The city originally established its first bicycle and pedestrian plan in 1997.
An interim update to the city's pedestrian framework was performed in 2006.
Heavy work on the current master plan refresh commenced in August 2025.
The City Council gave its final unanimous approval for the plan on October 20, 2026.

Market Dynamics

This master plan represents a departure from the city's 1997 framework by prioritizing low-stress connectivity over traditional transit models. It positions the city to compete for modern urban planning grants by aligning local development with current national pedestrian safety standards.

Residents may see changes to on-street parking availability as the city implements specific bike and pedestrian projects. Future construction and facility upgrades will require further public feedback before implementation begins.

The takeaway

Long-term infrastructure plans are subject to change as individual projects undergo rigorous feasibility studies and public comment periods. Residents should monitor future council agendas for specific updates on parking and local construction impacts near their neighborhoods.