Champaign County, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Champaign County Forest Preserve District announced that construction is set to begin this month on the next segment of the Kickapoo Rail Trail (KRT), linking the existing trail in St. Joseph to the Ogden portion. The 3.6-mile stretch marks a major step toward completing the 24.5-mile multi-use trail that will eventually connect Urbana to Kickapoo State Park in Vermilion County.
Initial work will include site preparation along the former rail bed, while coordination continues with Union Pacific Railroad to finalize a key crossing in St. Joseph — an essential connection for trail continuity.
Additional sections, including 8.4 miles of trail in Vermilion County and a 0.5-mile segment in Urbana near Weaver Park, are slated for construction in 2026. The Weaver Park Trailhead is also expected to be completed next year.
The Kickapoo Rail Trail project received $11.2 million in Rebuild Illinois funding from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). The grant, championed by Representative Carol Ammons and the late State Senator Scott Bennett, aimed to finish the trail and strengthen regional connectivity. However, bids for construction came in over budget, leaving a $1.85 million funding gap.
To address this shortfall, the Forest Preserve Friends Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign to raise the remaining funds by April 1, 2026. Without additional support, small trail sections may need to be delayed until after 2026. Donations can be made at onekrt.org/donate. “We’re excited to move forward with construction and bring this incredible amenity closer to completion for the people and communities of Champaign and Vermilion Counties,” said Lorrie Pearson, Executive Director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.
The Kickapoo Rail Trail was first envisioned in the 1990s, with construction beginning in 2016. Once completed, the 24.5-mile trail will serve as a safe, off-street route for recreation and transportation, connecting communities while promoting outdoor activity and tourism. “Connecting the Kickapoo Rail Trail is about more than building a path — it’s about connecting people,” said Munice Mayor Blake Wells. “This project brings our communities together while providing an accessible, scenic way for residents to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.”
For more information, project updates, or ways to support the trail, visit onekrt.org/project-updates.
