Complete Streets Concepts Coming To Peoria’s Western Avenue Next Spring

Press release from the City of Peoria:

Western Avenue is in the works as the next Community Investment Plan (CIP) project in Peoria. The City Council gave the Public Works Department approval during their Tuesday, August 11, meeting. Now engineers can advance the necessary documents to ensure the project can be included in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) November 2020 letting and then begin work as soon as spring 2021.

“It’s beneficial for us to move forward with the letting now, so we can ensure the project commences with next year’s construction season,” said Public Works Director, Rick Powers. “Unfortunately the COVID-19 pandemic has caused several projects to be postponed, however, this week’s vote will put us on track to get things rolling this coming spring.”

The Western Avenue project from Adams to Howett Streets was already planned and was previously approved by a Council vote via the 2020 – 2021 Biennial Budget. It is listed as a CIP project and will come with a “complete streets” concept, much needed sewer repairs and elements of green infrastructure.

“Community investments and complete streets are vital to Peoria as the vibrancy of our City is what will spur economic development,” said Powers. “Seeing this project back in an active state spurs optimism about the future of this corridor.”

An added plus is that a large portion of the project is being backed by federal grant dollars and has additional funding support through IDOT which would ease the burden on taxpayers.

Next Steps:
The required documents will be in place for the project to be included in IDOT’s November 2020 letting. More information about the process will be available on the city of Peoria website at peoriagov.org/public-works.

This press release was produced by the City of Peoria. The views expressed here are the author’s own.