Frankfort starts plans for Sauk Trail upgrade

• Reprints

Updated: February 26, 2012 8:14AM

The Frankfort Village Board Monday hired an engineering firm to do a preliminary study on Sauk Trail improvements.

The study, at a cost of about $119,000, will be on a two-mile stretch of roadway from 88th Avenue east to Harlem Avenue.

Trustee Dick Trevarthan said the project includes reconstruction of a two-lane road with curb, gutter, storm sewers and a multi-use trail.

Village administrator Jerry Ducay said doing the preliminary planning now allows the village to apply for $4 million in grant money from the state.

He said future construction eventually will include bridge work and work on the west end of Sauk Trail.

Improvements to the east end of Sauk Trail will begin after work on Steger Road and St. Francis Road are completed, likely 2014 or beyond, Ducay said.

Trustee Doug Walker said the village has done a good job of preparing financially to get started on the project in order to take advantage of grant money as it becomes available.

“Up front you have to be able to afford to get started. Sometimes these things do take a few years. It’s a great deal for us, and it will pay for itself,” Walker said.