Some state transportation funds will flow into Galesburg to make getting to school a little safer.
Galesburg has been selected as one of 47 projects receiving funding totaling over $9.8M from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.
Safe Routes to School supports projects and activities that improve safety and encourage active transportation options in areas around elementary, middle and high schools. Eligible projects include new and upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education and outreach programs.
The $235,000 awarded to Galesburg will be used exclusively for work near Silas Willard Elementary School.
The funding will be used for the construction of new sidewalks where none exist along Fifer Street, along with improvements to deteriorated crossings and ramps, bringing them into ADA compliance.
The project aims to improve safety and accessibility to the school and its recreational areas.
Galesburg City Manager Eric Hanson said, “Funding of this type is vital to communities like Galesburg. It enables us to move forward with infrastructure projects that have a direct impact on the health and safety of our children and residents.”
Galesburg has also received this funding before and put it towards sidewalk improvements near King Elementary School and Lombard Middle school, with construction scheduled to begin this summer.
