The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced a $1.2 million grant to build a new section of Constitution Trail in Normal, running from Adelaide Street west to Maxwell Park.
“I think it will get quite a bit of traffic for ISU. There are a lot of destinations for the community and the golf course, but also for students in a lot of the recreational fields that are out there,” said Normal Town Engineer Ryan Otto.
The Gregory Street extension in Normal will run just over a mile. Otto said it will take a year or two to design and construct the trail.
“It’s a super neat project and we are excited to have the opportunity to build it,” he said.
He said the eventual plan is to extend the trail south along Parkside Road to College Avenue and out to the area of the Rivian plant. Further out, Otto said planners envision the possibility of connecting the trail along Rivian Motorway to the Washington Street trail terminus in Bloomington.
The grant is among $106 million given to 98 projects around the state through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program to expand travel options and enhance quality of life in communities.
IDOT touted the 99 project awards as the largest annual program ever with a special focus on equity and community need.
“Our Rebuild Illinois capital plan is improving the day-to-day lives of our residents, which is why I’m proud to announce the largest investment in quality-of-life projects in Illinois history,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.
More than 60% is allocated to projects in communities that best demonstrated a financial need.
The money is a combination of state and federal funds to improve bike and pedestrian travel, as well as making other surface transportation improvements that promote alternative options for getting around communities.
“Investing in local communities strengthens our state’s entire transportation system,” said IDOT Secretary Omer Osman.
