Communities along Natalie Creek faced aging pedestrian infrastructure, disconnected trail and sidewalk networks, safety concerns at key intersections, and recurring flooding issues that impacted residents’ quality of life. The lack of continuous multimodal connections also limited access to jobs, schools, healthcare, recreation, and regional transportation alternatives.
Farnsworth Group has completed Phase I preliminary engineering and is currently completing Phase II design engineering for the 13.1-mile on-street and off-street Natalie Creek Trail project, which connects the communities of Midlothian, Oak Forest, Crestwood, Robbins, and Blue Island. Farnsworth Group partnered with the Village of Midlothian and regional stakeholders to advance the 13.1-mile Natalie Creek Trail, a transformative on-street and off-street corridor linking Midlothian, Oak Forest, Crestwood, Robbins, and Blue Island.
Services included preliminary engineering, environmental investigations, permitting, public engagement, trail and roadway design, and coordination with multiple funding partners. The project incorporates multimodal transportation improvements, sidewalk reconstruction, intersection safety enhancements, and green infrastructure strategies designed to support stormwater management and flood mitigation.
When completed, the Natalie Creek Trail will create safer, more accessible connections between communities while linking residents to larger regional trail systems, including the Cal-Sag Trail and Tinley Creek Trail. The project expands transportation choices, improves neighborhood connectivity, promotes healthy and active lifestyles, and supports economic opportunity throughout the South Suburbs. Green infrastructure elements further enhance community resilience by complementing broader regional flood mitigation efforts and helping create healthier, more sustainable communities.
Farnsworth Group collaborated with the Village of Midlothian to secure funding through multiple competitive programs, including Invest in Cook, the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), and the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP). The project has successfully advanced from preliminary engineering into final design, positioning the corridor for future construction and long-term regional impact.
