Federal Funds Awarded for Planned Weber Spur Trail on Chicago's NW Side

Project delays continue as city negotiates with Union Pacific Railroad for right-of-way

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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An $850,000 federal grant has been awarded for the planned 1.7-mile Weber Spur Trail on Chicago's Northwest Side, but a timetable for the project's construction remains unclear as the city continues negotiations with Union Pacific Railroad to acquire the former railroad right-of-way needed for the trail.

Why it matters

The Weber Spur Trail project has been delayed for years, but would provide an important link in Chicago's bicycle network, increasing safety for cyclists by connecting several existing trails and bike lanes. The project's $70 million price tag means securing funding from multiple sources is crucial.

The details

A mile stretch of the Weber trail was built several years ago in Lincolnwood, but the planned 1.7-mile Chicago portion through Sauganash, Peterson Park, Mayfair and Jefferson Park has faced delays. The trail would run from Devon and Springfield avenues to Elston and Kimberly avenues, with plans to eventually extend it to Lawrence and Cicero avenues. The city has not yet acquired the former railroad right-of-way from Union Pacific Railroad, which controls the land.

  • The $850,000 federal grant was awarded in 2026.
  • The city's last update on the project was provided to Alderman Samantha Nugent in a letter from the Department of Transportation in December 2024.
  • A mile stretch of the Weber trail was built several years ago in Lincolnwood.

The players

U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-5)

Stated in 2024 that the project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds as it will provide a key link in the bicycle network and increase the safety of bicyclists.

Margaret Laurino

Former 39th Ward alderman who said before her retirement in 2019 that the city's negotiations with Union Pacific did not seem to be going smoothly at times for reasons that were not clear.

Alderman Samantha Nugent (39th)

Received the last update on the project from the city Department of Transportation in a letter dated December 10, 2024.

Union Pacific Railroad

Controls the former railroad right-of-way that the city needs to acquire for the Chicago portion of the Weber Spur Trail.

Chicago Department of Transportation

Provided the last update on the project to Alderman Nugent in a letter dated December 10, 2024, stating they are in the process of completing the Phase I preliminary engineering and environmental study.

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What they’re saying

“The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide a key link in the bicycle network and increase the safety of bicyclists by connecting the Sauganash Trail, North Shore Channel Trail, Elston Ave Spoke Route bike lane, FFPCC LaBagh Woods, North Branch Trail and surrounding communities.”

— U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (nadignewspapers.com)

“The city's negotiations with Union Pacific did not seem to be going smoothly at times for reasons that were not clear.”

— Margaret Laurino, Former 39th Ward Alderman (nadignewspapers.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.