Cook County Board Approves Funding for Partnership Agreements to Improve Transportation Throughout Suburban Cook County

The Cook County Board of Commissioners approved funding today for transportation projects and initiatives led by the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH). These vital projects boost economic development, build up regional transportation and improve quality of life throughout Cook County.

Partnership Agreements

CDM Smith and HNTB Corporation
DoTH was approved to contract with CDM Smith and HNTB Corporation in Chicago for planning services throughout Cook County. Each company was awarded $2.5 million to complete feasibility and planning studies for regional and local needs including short- to long-term planning of public transportation, freight and intermodal, roadway as well as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure needs.

Village of Skokie
The Board approved a partnership between DoTH and the Village of Skokie to build a multimodal trail connection between the Old Orchard and North Branch Trails. This project includes an approximately 250-foot path connecting the North Branch Trail on the west side of Harms to the recently constructed side path along Old Orchard Road. Improvements include upgrading sections of gravel along the corridor to a 10-foot-wide concrete path. This project will create a continuous, multi-jurisdictional trail network across north Cook County. The County is providing $225,000 in funding for this project.

Invest in Cook Funding

Friends of Big Marsh
DoTH is partnering with Friends of Big Marsh to begin work associated with their $60,000 Invest in Cook award to evaluate connections that will improve walking and biking between Big Marsh Park/Indian Ridge Marsh and neighborhoods in Chicago’s southeast side including Hegewisch, South Deering and Trumbull Park. This project ensures that residents in these areas have access to open space.

For more information about DoTH, visit their website.