As Tri-Cities cyclists know too well, the Fox River Trail on the west side of the river in Batavia is closed while construction continues on the wastewater treatment facility.

According to the city, the shutdown has caused much consternation.

I can relate. Chugging up the steep hill adjacent to the Quarry, crunching through loose gravel and navigating back downtown via the sidewalk on Route 31 has not been ideal. 

However, Batavia's stretch of the Fox River Bike Trail could be getting a significant upgrade. According to this Aurora Beacon-News article, the city is eyeing an $8M project to reconnect those two sections of the trail on the river's west side.

And it looks like federal funding is likely on the horizon. 

U.S. Rep. Bill Foster has thrown his support behind the project, selecting it as one of 15 in his district to be considered for the House Appropriations Committee's Community Project Funding program — suggesting that the trail is key to the quality of life and economic development in the Tri-Cities. 

So, what's the plan? 

The new trail segment would run between Batavia's wastewater treatment facility and the river, offering improved safety for bikers and pedestrians and a great view of the river. In theory, it would also help stabilize the riverbank — a win-win for recreation and conservation.

The proposed expansion would create a dedicated path along the river, likely connecting Shumway Avenue to Pamarco Drive near Quarry Park. 

With strong local support and a detailed budget already in place, Batavia officials are optimistic about securing the funding.

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