IL 157 and Schoolhouse Trail Crossing

Madison County Transit has transformed former railroad corridors into a network of public trails that support both recreation and transportation. One of the most popular routes is the Schoolhouse Trail, a 15.5-mile paved path that runs from Madison to Maryville. In Collinsville, the trail is especially busy due to nearby parking, access to major roads, and connections to parks, neighborhoods, and local businesses.

For years, one key safety concern remained. Trail users had to cross Illinois Route 157 at street level. With five lanes of fast-moving traffic, this crossing created a serious hazard for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

To solve the problem, Madison County Transit partnered with Oates Associates to study options. After reviewing several possibilities, a tunnel was selected for its safety benefits, lower cost, and fit with the natural landscape. The finished project features a 120-foot-long concrete tunnel under Route 157, complete with lighting, cameras, and decorative concrete walls that improve both function and appearance.

The Schoolhouse Trail follows a former railroad corridor that connected communities across Madison County in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Rail lines like the Illinois Terminal and East St. Louis and Suburban Railway helped shape the region’s growth. The trail’s name honors early schools built nearby in the early 1800s, reflecting a long tradition of learning and connection. Today, the trail continues that legacy by providing safe, accessible routes that support active transportation and turn historic paths into public spaces.

With the tunnel now open, the Schoolhouse Trail offers a safer and more seamless experience, helping carry forward both the history and the future of the trail network in Madison County.