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.
“We are pleased to receive this SRTS award,” said Aaron Gavin, City Engineer. “It will allow us to ensure students and their family members, including those with disabilities, have access to a safe route to school.”
Administered by IDOT using federal funds, 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 $235,376 awarded to Galesburg will be used exclusively for work near Silas Willard Elementary School as part of the City’s Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project. The funding will be used for the construction of new sidewalks where none exist along Fifer Street, as well as improvements to deteriorated crossings and ramps, bringing them into ADA compliance. The project will improve safety and accessibility to the school and its recreational areas.
“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,” said Eric Hanson, City Manager.
Galesburg is committed to installing sidewalks and multi-use paths and completing ADA improvements as part of infrastructure improvement projects and will continue to make walkability a priority.
This is not the City’s first Safe Routes to School award. Previous SRTS funding has been designated for sidewalk improvements near King Elementary School and Lombard Middle school, with construction scheduled to begin this summer.
***Courtesy of the City of Galesburg***
