Conservation District Receives $180K Grant for Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail Renovations

Group of people standing on wooden bridge on the bike trail

Decatur, IL – The Macon County Conservation District was awarded a grant of $180,800.00 for renovations to the paved Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail.

Funding for the grant is supported by the federal government’s Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which will cover 80% of the project’s cost. The Macon County Conservation District will cover the rest.

The RTP grant program in Illinois is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources along with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Built in 1996, the Rock Springs-Fairview Bike Trail serves thousands of area residents each year. The 2.25-mile section of this trail that lies within Rock Springs Conservation Area includes three bridges spanning the Sangamon River and Stevens Creek.

The wood materials used in bridge construction are reaching the end of their useful life and will need replacement soon. Embankment settling and scour erosion will require regrading and riprap replacement. The project will replace deteriorated wood and fencing, and reshape the bridge embankments and approaches.

“The bridges are routinely inspected and are safe to use,” says Conservation District Operations Manager, Shane Ravellette, “But even with regular maintenance, it’s evident that they require more extensive renovations.”

“The work will take place in 2019,” says Ravellette. “We will do our best to notify residents of trail closures once we have a timeline in place.”

For future updates on the project, visit our website or watch the Macon County Conservation District’s Facebook page.

Rock Springs Conservation Area is located on the southwestern edge of Decatur. To get to Rock Springs from Decatur, go south on Route 48 and turn west onto Rock Springs Road or go south on Wyckles Road and turn east onto Rock Springs Road. Watch for signs. Plenty of parking is available.

Published On: October 30, 2018