Constitution Trail

As drivers prepare for a cruise down Route 66 during next year's centennial, a trail extension in southern McLean County will get bicyclists one step closer to a continuous safe path between Bloomington and St. Louis just beside the Mother Road.

The Normal Town Council on Monday approved two changes to the intergovernmental agreement for the McLean County 1% mental health and public safety sales tax fund.

Country Financial Trail will allow access from Raab Road, Vermillion Way and Heartland Community College's The Corn Crib parking lot. The trail will wrap around Birky Pond and run alongside 13 acres of soon-to-be restored prairie land.

The Heartland Community College Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote Tuesday night on three construction projects slated to begin this spring.

The intersection at Landmark Drive and Veterans Parkway has caught the ire of motorists and businesses alike.

There will be no movement on E-scooter regulations in the Town of Normal in the immediate future.

In addition to connecting Constitution Trail to Heartland's campus, the project includes the restoration of 13 acres of prairie, an atrium-style classroom and two bird-watching stations.

Speed problems on the Constitution Trail are rising as e-bikes become more common. Normal Mayor Chris Koos said more enforcement is needed.

Bloomington City Manager Jeff Jurgens says people cannot sleep along Constitution Trail. He tells WGLT there have been "numerous complaints" and it's a public safety concern. But, many have nowhere to go.

The Town of Normal will use a nearly $249,000 grant to make walking to Chiddix Junior High School safer. The Safe Routes to School grant will create several new paths and access to a pedestrian bridge on Karin Drive.