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 develop...
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