ACTION REQUESTED:
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Communication from the City Manager and Director of Public Works with a Request to APPROVE a RESOLUTION in Support of an Application to the Illinois Department of Transportation for Funding Under the 2018 ILLINOIS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (ITEP) for a War Memorial Drive Pedestrian Route Improvement (Allen Road to Cannes Drive). (Council District 4)
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BACKGROUND: With the adoption of the Complete Streets Policy, the City of Peoria recognizes the needs and benefits of providing pedestrian and non-motorized transportation options for citizens and visitors. This document provides a guide for Peoria to become a more pedestrian friendly community, by setting guidelines and priorities for future plans and projects. As Peoria becomes more pedestrian friendly, the many benefits of providing healthy alternatives to driving should be realized by the citizens of Peoria.
One area in Peoria that lacks safe pedestrian access is War Memorial Drive between Allen Road/Charter Oak Road and Cannes Drive. War Memorial Drive is a high traffic, high speed state highway, which cuts through the center of Peoria. Along this corridor is several large apartment complexes that generate significant pedestrian trips for residents needing to get to their places of employment and shopping. Additionally, there are heavily used bus stops on both sides of War Memorial Drive that are used by the residents of these apartments, which often requires residents to cross War Memorial Drive to access the bus stops. Reasons for installing pedestrian facilities along this corridor include:
• Two pedestrians have been killed on this corridor since 2006, one crossing and one walking along the shoulder.
• Several large apartment complexes along this roadway generate pedestrian traffic.
• A large amount of pedestrians use the shoulder for access, to go to work or access nearby shopping.
• Well-used bus stops exist along War Memorial, which drop pedestrians along the roadway and require use of the shoulders, as well as encouraging midblock crossing of the busy highway.
• The roadway shoulder is not separated from the high speed traffic and was not intended for pedestrians.
• Pedestrian access meets the ideals of the City’s Complete Streets Policy.
The City and IDOT have had several discussions over the years, but no solutions have been implemented. Since the problems continue, the City feels a sense of urgency to pursue a solution. To that end, the City has requested and received Section 5310 funds, through the local MPO, to design and construct a safe pedestrian crossing in this corridor, to provide safe access to the bus stops. To address the pedestrian access on War Memorial Drive from Allen Road to Cannes Drive, City staff has submitted an application to request 2018 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funding cycle funds that would allow the City to build pedestrian facilities on both sides of War Memorial to further connect the pedestrians to their homes, places of employment, shopping, and bus stops. The ITEP Program, which is funded by the Federal Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), provides funding for community-based projects that expand travel choices and promote and develop alternative transportation options, including non-motorized modes of travel. Staff is requesting that City Council approve the attached resolution supporting the ITEP application.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The 20% local match, or approximately $71,640 of a $358,170 design and construction estimate, will need to be funded through the City’s Capital Improvement Plan or alternative sources.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Installing pedestrian facilities on War Memorial Drive between Allen Road and Cannes Drive will benefit the citizens who live along War Memorial Drive, by allowing them safe pedestrian access from their residences to work, shopping, and bus stops.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City of Peoria will submit an application to the 2018 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program for funding of the War Memorial Drive Pedestrian Route Improvement (Allen Road to Cannes Drive).
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City of Peoria will rescind its application to the 2018 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to fund the War Memorial Drive Pedestrian Route Improvement (Allen Road to Cannes Drive) and will need to seek other funding for this project.
ALTERNATIVES: NA
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: NA
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2014 - 2029 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
3. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Invest in our infrastructure and transportation.
2. Support sustainability.
3. Grow employers and jobs.
DEPARTMENT: Public Works