The Illinois Department of Transportation and Governor JB Pritzker announced that $12.3 million will be awarded throughout the state to give kids a safer walk or bike ride to school.
The Safe Routes to School projects will see improvements to safety and encourage active transportation for kids to elementary and middle schools.
“Strong infrastructure is as much about bike paths and sidewalks as it is about highways and freight trains, and I’m proud to support more than 50 projects that will keep our students safer as they go to and from school,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Paired with our Rebuild Illinois capital plan, these federal dollars are another way we’re bringing quality of life improvements to communities all across the state.”
The Safe Routes to School will support 57 projects and Galesburg will see $250,000 for new sidewalks, crossings, and ADA-compliant curbs and ramps near King and Lombard.
This includes replacing the existing sidewalk and installing new curb ramps on Locust Street, between Clay Street and Webster Street, and on Conger Street, between Farnham and Locust Street.
New sidewalks will also be installed on Indiana Avenue and Clay Street, between Grand Avenue and Farnham Street. The total project cost for construction is estimated at $301,342.50 with the grant-funded portion being $250,000 and the City’s share being $51,342.50.
“We are pleased to be selected for a Safe Routes to School grant,” said Wayne Carl, Director of Public Works for the City of Galesburg. “This is a very nice project for the area, which improves the sidewalks in areas adjacent to both King Elementary and Lombard Middle School, increasing safety for kids walking to and from school.”
The funds come from the federal government and are administered by the Department of Transportation.
Other communities receiving funds include Moline, Rantoul, Granite City, Greenville, and Creve Coeur.
“We are proud to help communities and schools in their efforts to provide safer walking and biking routes for students,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “By ensuring our youngest residents have access to safe transportation options that are easy for them, we’re not only ensuring their current safety but also their future health – and the health of the planet.”
57 projects were selected from 102 applications received from municipalities and schools across the state.
