Updated September 17, 2026
The Village of River Forest is aware of a proposal commonly referred to as the O’Hare Flyer, which affects River Forest and other communities along the proposed corridor.
At this time, significant questions remain about the proposal, including its design, route, construction, operation and potential impacts on River Forest.
Based on the information currently available, the Village President and Board of Trustees oppose advancement of the O’Hare Flyer through River Forest and have called for alternative route options to be explored.
The Village will use this page to provide residents with information the Village receives, actions taken by the Village Board, and updates as additional information becomes available.
The Village Board’s Position
The River Forest Village Board is unanimously opposed to the O’Hare Flyer moving forward through the community based on the limited information currently available and the potential impacts such a project could have on River Forest. At its September 14, 2026 meeting, the Village Board passed a resolution opposing the proposed O’Hare Flyer, which is available to view here: Village Board Resolution.
The Village Board has called on those advancing the O’Hare Flyer to:
- Cease advancing the current proposal;
- Explore alternative route options that do not adversely impact River Forest and neighboring communities; and
- Provide substantially more information regarding the proposed project and its potential impacts.
The Village is also communicating its position to appropriate state and federal officials and regulatory agencies. Additionally, the Village Board has directed staff to investigate procuring consultants or specialists to assist the Village in gathering and evaluating additional information about the proposed project and its potential impacts on the community.
The Village will continue to advocate for River Forest residents and seek answers regarding any proposal that could affect the community.
Below are letters of support for the Village’s position from the Village’s Cook County representative, Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor; the West Central Municipal Conference; and the Mayor of the Village of Melrose Park, Ronald M. Serpico.
Village Actions
The Village is taking steps to formally communicate River Forest’s position and remain engaged as this matter develops.
These actions include:
Village Board Resolution
On September 14, 2026, the Village President and Board of Trustees considered the O’Hare Flyer, expressed the Village’s opposition to advancement of the proposal through River Forest and heard from residents during public comment.
The September 14 meeting can be viewed below:
Communication with Government Officials
The Village is communicating its position to elected officials and appropriate governmental and regulatory agencies.
Federal Regulatory Process
The Village intends to submit its opposition as part of any applicable federal review process, including proceedings before the Surface Transportation Board.
Coordination and Information Gathering
Village officials and staff will continue seeking information regarding the proposal and will evaluate additional actions as more information becomes available.
Communicatons and Media Inquiries
The Village is in the process of retaining communications and other professional advisors to assist with the O’Hare Flyer matter. Once engaged, these advisors will help coordinate the Village’s public communications and serve as designated spokespersons on behalf of River Forest. At this time, all press inquiries should be directed to mwalsh@vrf.us or 708-366-8500.
Community Input
River Forest residents have expressed significant interest and concern regarding the O’Hare Flyer.
The Village Board encourages residents to contact the elected officials who represent River Forest and its residents to share their concerns and perspectives regarding the proposed O’Hare Flyer.
U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
Email: Click Here
Mail Address: 711 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-2152
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth
Email: Click Here
Mail Address: 230 South Dearborn Street, Suite 3900, Chicago, IL 60604
Phone: 312-886-3506
Illinois Senate President Don Harmon
Email: Click Here
Mail Address: 6941 W. North Ave. Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: 708-848-2002
Speaker of the Illinois House, Emanuel Christopher Welch
Email: Click Here
Mail Address: 10055 Roosevelt Road, Suite E, Westchester, IL 60154
Phone: 708-450-1000
Illinois House Member, Camille Lilly
Email: staterepcamilleylilly@gmail.com
Mail Address: 6937 W. North Ave, Oak Park, IL 60302
Phone: 773-473-7300
The Village Board heard public comments regarding the proposal at its September 14, 2026 meeting. Written comments received by the Village were also provided to the Village Board as part of its consideration of the issue.
Residents may continue to share comments with the Village Board.
Contact the Village Board