FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CARBONDALE -
Another segment connecting Carbondale to neighboring communities by bike path, and providing high-quality recreational opportunities, is nearly complete.  

The Saluki Greenway, a new 10-foot-wide, paved multi-use bike path along State Highway 13 between Carbondale and Murphysboro, extends the region’s growing trail network, connecting with existing multi-use path segments and the Mud Line bike path. It is part of a region-wide effort to connect Murphysboro, Carbondale, Carterville, and Marion by multimodal infrastructure. The project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Transportation Enhancement Program, a grant awarded to the City of Carbondale in 2020. Improvements also include signalized crosswalks at the Old Highway 13 and Striegel Road intersections, guard rails in certain locations, and trail signage.  

A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, November 17th, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the eastern end of the new segment of the path. Participants can park at the north end of the Legacy Fitness parking lot, 2411 W Main St.   

The City of Carbondale recognizes that bike facilities physically separated from the street, such as the Saluki Greenway, Piles Fork Greenway, Mud Line Bike Path, and Downtown-Campus Connector, are the safest option of all bike facility types, and where cyclists and pedestrians feel the most comfortable.   

“The Saluki Greenway is another great step forward in connecting our region from Marion to Murphysboro through Carbondale” says Carbondale City Manager, Stan Reno. “This new section along Route 13 gives everyone a safer and more enjoyable way to walk, run or ride between communities. With support from IDOT’s Transportation Enhancement Program, we’re continuing to build infrastructure that improves quality of life, supports recreation and makes Carbondale and the surrounding area an even better place to live, work and visit.” 

This new 2.4-mile segment of bike path will bring Carbondale’s total mileage of separated bike facilities up to over 11 miles.  

The Saluki Greenway will enhance recreation and transportation options for residents and visitors, creating a safer, more accessible route for walking, running, and biking. 

Visit our Bike Carbondale IL page of our city website (www.explorecarbondale.com) for more information on our bike infrastructure, riding clubs and groups, safety tips, and more.  

For more information contact Molly Maxwell, Senior Planner for the City of Carbondale at (618) 457-3233 or via email at mmaxwell@carbondaleil.gov. 

For media requests contact the Eva Fisher, City of Carbondale’s Public Relations Officer, at 618-713-0711 or via email at efisher@ccarbondaleil.gov.  

“Carbondale prides itself on providing its visitors, students, businesses and residents with a unique mix of edge and ease. It’s a cultural town, yet free of pretense, embracing the great outdoors as readily as urban sophistication. Here, we are open to new ideas, experiences and cultures, so you are encouraged to both express yourself and be yourself, in all ways. That’s Carbondale…All Ways Open…for family, fun, business, new ideas and a bright tomorrow.”
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