The Urbana City Council will consider one of the final steps in implementation of new bike lanes and improvements to sidewalks and ramps on Main St. in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act at their meeting Monday. Council members will discuss the agreement for construction and funding of the project.
After review from the public works department, city staff approved the objective and goals and $1.65 million cost of the third phase of the project. Funding for the third phase will come out of the Illinois Motor Fuel Tax. The city was also awarded $625,931 from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Project Grant.
Clark Dietz Inc., an engineering firm, has completed design and engineering for phases one and two of the project. These designs have been approved by the Illinois Department of Transportation
Diane Marlin, Ward 7, said improvements have been under discussion for several years and are a part of the Capital Improvement Plan. Marlin said through the plan, the city has made a commitment to providing transportation opportunities for bikes, pedestrians and people with disabilities.
“We want to make this city what we call ‘multi-motile,’ biking, driving and walking to get around,” she said.
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Marlin said she is frequently asked why some of Urbana’s bike paths suddenly end or seem to go nowhere.
“We are implementing them as funds become available,” she said. “We have to do (this) in steps over a number of years. This is one more step in the plan to complete the network.”
Marlin said with a road diet that will be constructed on Main street over the summer, the downtown area will especially benefit from the improvements.
Council members will also welcome several residents of Zomba, Malawi, Urbana’s sister city for the last three years. Urbana receives a $115,000 grant from Sister City International to improve the welfare of the African city. Members visiting from the city will spend the week with public works to learn about modern sewage systems and how they can improve the current conditions in their city.
Corinne can be reached at [email protected]
