BRADLEY, Ill. – The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) has awarded $1,991,950 to the Village of Bradley for its Schuyler and East Broadway Enhancement project.
The project will create a pedestrian and bicycle route and include decorative lighting and landscaping improvements. The route will run along North Schuyler Avenue and East Broadway and extend from West Broadway to LaSalle Street.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced $127.9 million in awards Friday afternoon for local transportation enhancement projects. The ITEP program is designed to support alternative modes of transportation and improve quality of life. This round of funding will be used for 72 projects, including biking and walking paths, trails, and streetscape beautification, in communities throughout the state.
“The Illinois’ Transportation Enhancement Program is an important part of Rebuild Illinois designed to support alternate modes of transportation, to preserve visual and cultural resources, and improve quality of life,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “And today, I’m announcing the largest ever round of funding for ITEP – over $125 million to build better and safer bike routes, walking paths, trails, and other local travel options. We’re reversing a legacy of disinvestment that holds us all back, and we’re establishing a new day for the program.”
The Schuyler and East Broadway Enhancement project in Bradley falls under the bike/pedestrian category and is a much-needed addition for the town. The new route will provide residents and visitors with a safe and enjoyable way to travel around town, while also enhancing the town’s aesthetics.
Bradley is just one of the many communities benefiting from the ITEP program. The majority of projects are in communities that exhibit the greatest need, and more than 75% of the funding has been allocated to such projects.
“The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program gives our local partners the resources they need to improve quality of life for their communities and strengthen the state’s overall transportation system,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “With Gov. Pritzker’s leadership, we’re putting dollars to work in the communities that need them most, investing in infrastructure and increasing travel options to make Illinois a safer and more enjoyable place to work, build a business and raise a family.”
Other projects receiving funding this round include $2.9 million dollars to Park Forest for Forest Boulevard Shared-Use Trail Improvements and $3 million to the Chicago Department of Transportation to convert a 1.75-mile abandoned rail corridor into a grade-separated shared-use path.
The ITEP program is made possible by federal and state funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Projects were awarded based on their readiness and ability to connect to transportation networks and other economic drivers, as well as secure public support and provide public benefits. Additional consideration was given to projects serving areas with higher needs, based on population totals, percentage below the poverty level, and estimated median household income.
The Schuyler and East Broadway Enhancement project is a much-needed addition for the town of Bradley, and it is just one of the many projects that will improve the transportation system in communities throughout Illinois.
