Centralia City Manager Kory Smith has announced a multi-year program to construct new sidewalks that will connect to schools in the community.
The Centralia City Council Monday night will be asked to provide a resolution of support for a $250,000 Illinois Safe Routes to School Program that would pay for the first phase of the project which is construction of a 1,700 feet of ADA compliant sidewalk extending from Jordan Elementary School to Edgebrook Lane. If the grant is approved, the city would pay the remaining $347,390 through motor fuel tax funds, TIF funds, and other restricted resources available to the city.
Other future parts of the program would construct ADA compliant sidewalks linking the Northeast section of the city’s residential area along Country Club Road to existing sidewalks which will ultimately connect Jordan School, Centralia Junior High, and Centralia High School. The city plans to pursue a larger grant through the Illinois Department of Transportation in 2024 to complete the project.
Smith says this is a very exciting project and has involved a lot of cooperation with the local school districts. He adds it would be great to be able to connect all three schools and give children a safe means to ride their bikes or walk to school.
