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 2016 ILLINOIS TRANSPORTATION ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM (ITEP) for Extending the ROCK ISLAND GREENWAY Multi-Use Path (South of War Memorial Drive). (Council District 3)
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BACKGROUND: With the adoption of the Complete Streets Policy and citywide Bicycle Master Plan, the City of Peoria recognizes the needs and benefits of providing non-motorized transportation options for citizens and visitors. Those programs are intended to guide Peoria to become a more bicycle and pedestrian friendly community, by setting guidelines and priorities for future plans and projects. As Peoria becomes more bicycle friendly, the many benefits of providing healthy alternatives to driving should be realized by the citizens of Peoria.
A major non-motorized route, which is designated in the Bicycle Master Plan, is the Rock Island Greenway, a part of the Rock Island Trail system. This rails to trails path is intended to provide a complete north-south trail through the City. As a rails to trails off-street trail, it currently terminates at Harvard Avenue, just north of War Memorial Drive/US 150. South of this location, the trail is routed on city streets and through Springdale Cemetery. This inconvenient and difficult detour through Springdale Cemetery is the only route for users of the Rock Island Trail system to access areas south of War Memorial Drive, which limits use for commuting and is challenging for less able riders.
Recently, Peoria received funds through the 2015 Transportation Alternative Program (TAP), programmed by the Local MPO (PPUATS), to rehabilitate the existing abandoned railroad bridge over War Memorial/US 150. This bridge will provide a safe and accessible non-motorized crossing of War Memorial/US 150 and open up for trail development another mile of City-owned railroad right-of-way to the south. The City is currently working with IDOT on an agreement for the use of the bridge and will soon start the design of this project, which is planned to be completed by fall of 2016 or spring of 2017.
Additional funding is needed to continue the work of extending the Rock Island Greenway to the south of War Memorial Drive/US 150. To help the City fund this work, Staff recommends submitting an application to the Illinois Department of Transportation for the 2016 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funding cycle. This 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.
The project proposed for the ITEP application will include the design and construction of a 10’ bituminous shared use path on City owned railroad right-of-way, from the terminus of the TAP project (to rehabilitate the railroad bridge over War Memorial Drive/US 150) to Park Avenue, the striping of 4’ bike lanes on each side of Park Avenue from the railroad right-of-way to Perry Avenue, and a trail connection from Perry Avenue to the existing trail on the east side of Glen Oak Park. This project will also include crosswalks and rapid flashing beacons at three locations (Vine, Park and Perry) and bicycle scale signage.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The 20% local match, or approximately $140,600 of a $703,000 design and construction estimate, will be funded through the Bicycle Plan Implementation Project in the City’s Capital Improvement Plan.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Extending the Rock Island Greenway south of War Memorial Drive/US 150 will provide a safe and efficient non-motorized route for bicycles and pedestrians in our community. Extending the Rock Island Greenway has the support of many parties, including the Friends of the Rock Island Trail, Bike Peoria and the Peoria Park District.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: The City of Peoria will submit an application to the 2016 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program for funding of the extension of the Rock Island Greenway trail south of War Memorial Drive/US 150.
IMPACT IF DENIED: The City of Peoria will not submit an application to the 2016 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to fund the extension of the Rock Island Greenway south of War Memorial Drive/US 150 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. Financially Sound City Government, Effective City Organization
3. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
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