The Illinois Department of Transportation is studying the reconstruction of Knoxville Avenue from Pennsylvania to just north of War Memorial Drive.It includes addressing the longstanding safety concerns at the busy War Memorial and Knoxville intersection.
"The reason we're doing this, the pavement is old enough that it's time to reconstruct it," said IDOT spokesman Paul Wappel. "And because we're going to do this, we also look at all the other needs in the area, as well. Including multi-modal needs, and what has changed, what makes the most sense."
Wappel said the resurfacing of the roadway last year was just a temporary first step. The study is the next step, before a broader overhaul of the roadway begins.
Wappel said IDOT also is looking at how to better address the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit buses.
A community advisory group of citizens and technical advisors will meet later this month to offer initial input. Public open houses will be held at a later date.
Wappel said the hope is to finish up reconstruction of this portion of Knoxville in four to six years.
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