Salute, Inc. Veteran's Memorial 5K Run-Walk-Roll to take place on new Des Plaines River Valley Bridge
The Illinois Tollway and the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation are offering a once-in-a-lifetime bicycle ride to kick off the Nov. 11, Grand-Opening Celebration and Commemoration of the new 12.5-mile I-355 South Extension from I-55 to I-80. Proceeds from the ride will help fund the beginnings of a new multi-use South Suburban trail that will help connect Chicago's Southland communities.

The Roll the Tollway event will give participants a chance to ride on the newly constructed I-355 South Extension before the new Tollway is open to traffic later in the month. The ride will start between 9 and 10 a.m. on Nov. 11, at the 127th Street Interchange in Lemont. Bicyclists will head out across the Des Plaines River Valley Bridge allowing a stunning bird's-eye view of the Des Plaines River Valley including the DesPlaines River, the I&M Canal and the Sanitary and Ship Canal. The route will then take riders south along the Will County corridor running through Lemont, Lockport, Homer Glen and New Lenox.

The fully supported 20-mile bicycle ride will offer more than three hours of car-free riding on pavement that has never experienced a traffic jam. A 5-mile family ride is also available to participants.

Participants can register for $25 at www.rollthetollway.org. The ride has proven to be greatly popular, with nearly 1,000 people already signed up. Registration will be online only.

"The Illinois Tollway is thrilled to have the support of the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, not only to help provide the unique opportunity to Roll the Tollway, but also to support our efforts to bring a new multi-use trail to Will County," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Brian McPartlin.

Proceeds from Roll the Tollway will help provide seed money for a new non-profit organization that will work to create a trail that will run alongside the Tollway. As part of the I-355 South Extension Project, the Tollway developed a corridor wide concept plan to accommodate a multi-use trail within the right-of-way. A 20-foot wide corridor is reserved along the length of the I-355 South Extension for a future trail that may ultimately serve as a backbone to link more than 100 miles of trails. In addition, the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation also will use some of the proceeds to fund its efforts in the South Suburban region.

"This unique ride will fund a multi-use trail that is integral to the area's quality of life," said Chicagoland Bicycle Federation Executive Director Rob Sadowsky. "It helps our mission of creating a regional bicycling network."

Salute, Inc. Veteran's Memorial 5K Run-Walk-Roll

Also on Nov. 11, take part in the Veteran's Memorial 5K Run-Walk-Roll hosted by SALUTE, Inc. and the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs. The 5K run and 1-mile family walk and roll will take place across the new Des Plaines River Valley Bridge. Funds from the 5K Run-Walk-Roll will support active military personnel, veterans and their families. Register online at www.active.com

Roll the Tollway is part of the Illinois Tollway's Grand Opening Celebration that will include the dedication of the new roadway and the renaming of I-355 as the Veterans Memorial Tollway, as well as SALUTE, Inc.'s Veterans Memorial 5K Run-Walk-Roll charity event. The celebration will feature family-oriented community festivals including Touch-a-Truck exhibits with construction equipment, Illinois State Police demonstrations, and environmental agency displays. This celebration is expected to draw thousands from surrounding communities to participate in a once in a lifetime tribute.

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation is working with local bike clubs to produce Roll the Tollway. Volunteers from the Joliet Bicycle Club, Folks on Spokes and the Blue Island Bicycle Club will help market and support the ride.

Click here for information about all of the Grand Opening Celebration events