Scientists begin soil testing for planned Bronzeville Trail on historic rail line

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The work of scientists along portions of a long idle rail line is hoped to be the start of a project that connects Chicagoans through Bronzeville and to the city's history.

Walking or driving past, you may only see the concrete supports. They are the pieces of Chicago history that once supported the Kenwood L Line, and before that, connected the Chicago stockyards to the rest of the city, and ultimately, the country. Plans are underway to create the Bronzeville Trail on the old rail line.

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"This principally is going to connect Armor Square, Bridgeport to lakefront in a safe environment without automobiles," said Bronzeville Trail Task Force Founder and Executive Director John Adams.

"It will reconnect communities create new healthy space, support health and wellness, strengthen local businesses, and bring new energy to this historic neighborhood," said Illinois state Rep. Kimberly du Buclet, who represents the 5th District.

On Monday, there are signs of a new life for the overgrown path through Bronzeville.

A team of environmental scientists, geologists and engineers are drilling down past ground level to get soil samples. The samples will be tested for possible contaminants of the industries of years past and remnants of the Chicago Fire. This is the first step toward remediation and building up the Bronzeville Trail.

"A lot of people in this neighborhood ended up working for the railroad and the stockyard, so our history is connected to American history, to Chicago history," said Ralph Moore with the Bronzeville Trail Task Force.

"Since the great migration to now, this can really serve as a unifying force to galvanize all those efforts and to highlight it in a way where the whole world can see," said Amandilo Cuzan with the Bronzeville Alliance.

The old rail line, which has been out of service since 1957, would become an elevated trail and green space from the Dan Ryan Expressway to the lakefront.

"I don't ride as much as I used to, but I used to be a part of the lakefront riders. I would love to see it finished," said William Victor Harris Jr. with the Bronzeville Trail Task Force.

"I know it's something that's going to benefit everyone when you consider the availability that everyone in Chicago will have to come through this area, all the way over to the lake, the stores, the shops, the businesses that are coming up," said Kevin Mimms with the Bronzeville Trail Task Force.

While the entire Bronzeville Trail is not expected to be completed until 2033, the task force expects parts of the trail will be in use before that.