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 al...
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