SHOREWOOD – Plainfield and Oswego will see a combined $475,990 investment in bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) announced Wednesday.

“Infrastructure maintenance is important at every single level of a community,” Loughran Cappel said. “Though they can be overlooked, bike paths and walking trails are vital structures that deserve regular attention and care.”

Residents will see improvements to a number of area trails for pedestrians and bicyclists, including Wolfs Crossing Road at Harvey Road Intersection in Oswego, and DuPage River Trail at Renwick Road in Plainfield.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

“Our residents are extremely fortunate to have accessible, clean trails that give everyone the chance to enjoy the outdoors,” Loughran Cappel said. “Investments such as this ensure long-term viability and encourage active lifestyles.”  

SPRINGFIELD – A piece of bipartisan legislation, led by State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) and State Representative Mark Batnick, that would expand the period of time in which school zone speed limits are active passed the both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly.

“More students are taking advantage of the extra opportunities for help available to them before school,” Loughran Cappel said. “While this is encouraging, it’s important that we expand safety guidelines to accommodate their schedules.”

Under current school speed zone rules, children are to be assumed present between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. However, Plainfield-area high schools begin classes at 7:05 and students arrive during a timeframe when school zone rules are not yet active. Additionally, numerous students arrive before 7 a.m. to attend before school programs, tutoring or other extracurricular activities.

Under House Bill 343, school zone speed limits on school days would begin at 6:30 a.m. rather than 7 a.m.

Violation of the speed zone limits would still result in a subsequent fine or possible incarceration depending on the speed violation.

“The cost for violating the safety of our students is still quite steep,” Loughran Cappel said. “It’s my hope that by bringing this law back into the public conversation, people will be reminded of the dangers presented by reckless driving.”

This measure now awaits the governor's approval.

SHOREWOOD – To honor the life of a local hero, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D- Shorewood) passed a resolution to designate the section of Illinois Route 59 from Canton Farm Road to Illinois Route 126 as the “PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Highway.”

“Private First Class Andrew Meari led a service driven life worthy of commemoration,” Loughran Cappel said. “His contribution to our community and sacrifice for the country should never be forgotten.”

PFC Meari was a Private First Class in the 1^st battalion, 502^nd Infantry Regiment, 2^nd Bridge Combat Team, 101^st Airborne Division while assigned to service in Afghanistan. On Nov. 1^st 2010, he was killed in the line of duty as he intercepted a suicide bomber who was trying to get into the American combat camp. His actions saved the lives of multiple people in the camp.

Throughout his military career, PFC Meari was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Combat Infantry Badge. He has also been commemorated in his hometown of Plainfield with the creation of PFC Andrew Meari Memorial Park.