Updated September 2026
The 606 Trail extension will carry Chicago's elevated Bloomingdale Trail east from its current end at Ashland Avenue — over Ashland, under the Kennedy Expressway and Metra tracks, to Elston Avenue — with a later phase planned to continue to the Chicago River and across it toward Lincoln Park. Here's where the project stands, the expected timeline, how it's funded, and what it means for homes in Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and beyond.
Current Status
The first phase — Ashland to Elston — is led by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). After delays, completion was most recently projected for late 2027, with CDOT indicating construction would begin in fall 2026. In September 2026, City Council approved a Foundry Park tax increment financing (TIF) package that includes $21.5 million for the trail's extension toward and across the Chicago River.
Quick Answer
Where is the 606 being extended? East, not west. Phase 1 adds a bridge over Ashland Avenue, an underpass beneath the Kennedy Expressway and the Union Pacific/Metra tracks, and reuses an old rail bridge over Elston Avenue.
When will it open? The most recent target for Phase 1 is late 2027. The river crossing is tied to the Foundry Park development on the former Lincoln Yards site and is further out.
Why does it matter? For the first time, people could walk or bike from Logan Square and Bucktown past Ashland and the Kennedy without crossing either at street level — and eventually reach the riverfront and Lincoln Park.
The 606 Extension Route
Segment | What's Planned | Status |
|---|---|---|
Existing trail | 2.7 miles along Bloomingdale Avenue, from Ridgeway Avenue to Walsh Park near Ashland | Open since 2015 |
Phase 1: Ashland to Elston | New bridge over Ashland; underpass beneath the Kennedy Expressway and Union Pacific/Metra tracks; rehabilitated rail bridge over Elston | Construction expected to begin fall 2026; completion most recently targeted for late 2027 |
Later phase: to and across the Chicago River | Continuation through the Foundry Park site with a river crossing toward Lincoln Park | $21.5M approved in Foundry Park TIF (Sept. 2026); depends on Phase 1 and the development's progress |
A common misconception: you may see claims that the 606 will be extended west into Hermosa or Belmont Cragin. The City's active extension project runs east, from Ashland toward the river.
606 Extension Timeline
Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
June 2015 | The 606 opens on the former Bloomingdale freight line |
2021–2023 | Preliminary engineering for the eastern extension, initially funded by Lincoln Yards developer Sterling Bay |
August 2023 | CDOT presents the Ashland-to-Elston plan at a public meeting |
January 2025 | Completion target pushed from late 2026 to late 2027 |
September 2026 | City Council approves Foundry Park TIF, including $21.5M for the trail extension and river crossing |
Fall 2026 | Phase 1 construction expected to begin |
Late 2027 | Most recent target for Phase 1 completion |
Large infrastructure timelines often shift. We update this page as new information is released.
About the 606 Trail
The 606 — officially the Bloomingdale Trail — is a 2.7-mile elevated park and trail built on a former freight rail line raised above Bloomingdale Avenue in the 1910s. It opened in June 2015 and takes its name from the first three digits shared by Chicago ZIP codes.
- Route: east-west from Ridgeway Avenue to Ashland Avenue
- Neighborhoods: Bucktown and Wicker Park (the trail forms their shared border), Logan Square, and Humboldt Park
- Parks along the way: Walsh Park, Churchill Field Park, Julia de Burgos Park, and the trailheads at Ashland and Ridgeway, where you'll find the Exelon Observatory
- Uses: walking, running, biking, and public art and events throughout the year
What the 606 Means for Nearby Home Values
The 606 has had a measurable effect on the surrounding housing market. Research from DePaul University's Institute for Housing Studies found that home prices near the trail's western half rose substantially faster than in comparable nearby areas after it was announced and built. That rapid appreciation also raised concerns about displacement, and the City later added demolition fees in the area around the western portion of the trail to slow the replacement of existing buildings.
Today, homes near the trail remain among the most in-demand on the Northwest Side. Our latest neighborhood reports show:
- Bucktown: median price above $1 million, with homes selling in about 9 days
- Wicker Park: about half a month of supply
- Logan Square: median near $680,000, with market time down to about 10 days
Who Could Benefit From the Extension?
- Eastern Bucktown and Wicker Park, which gain a safer car-free route past Ashland and the Kennedy
- The Elston and Clybourn corridors, as the trail reaches the industrial corridor along the river
- Lincoln Park and the riverfront, if and when the river crossing is built — linked to Foundry Park, a planned 31-acre development with up to 3,700 homes, offices, retail, and about a third of the site as open space
Buying or Selling Near the 606
Buyers: Trail proximity is a real amenity, but it's already priced into most nearby homes. Think about which side of the trail and which access point matters for your routine, and remember that homes directly alongside the trail can see more foot traffic and less privacy. If you're betting on the extension, keep in mind that infrastructure timelines often slip.
Sellers: If your home is within a few blocks of an access point, say so in your listing — walking distance to the 606 is one of the most searched-for features on the Northwest Side. Include the distance to the nearest ramp and photos from the trail if you have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the 606 extension be finished?
The first phase, from Ashland Avenue to Elston Avenue, was most recently targeted for completion in late 2027. The connection across the Chicago River is a later phase with no firm opening date.
Where will the 606 extension go?
East from its current end near Ashland Avenue: over Ashland, under the Kennedy Expressway and the Metra/Union Pacific tracks, to Elston Avenue, and eventually to the Chicago River and Lincoln Park.
How long is the 606 Trail?
About 2.7 miles, from Ridgeway Avenue in the west to Ashland Avenue in the east.
Who is paying for the 606 extension?
The first phase is a CDOT project using public funding, after preliminary engineering was paid for by developer Sterling Bay. In September 2026, the City approved $21.5 million in Foundry Park TIF funds for the extension toward and across the river.
Why is it called the 606?
Chicago ZIP codes begin with 606. The trail itself is officially named the Bloomingdale Trail, after Bloomingdale Avenue, which it runs above.
Looking for a Home Near the 606?
The Camille Canales Group works across Bucktown, Wicker Park, Logan Square, and the neighborhoods along the trail. Whether you're buying near the 606 or wondering what trail access adds to your home's value, we're happy to talk.
Sources and Updates
Project details and timelines are based on public reporting and City presentations and may change. Market data from MRED / InfoSparks; data deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
