The City of Decatur and Illinois Department of Transportation hosted a community forum on March 30th for Decaturites to learn about and make suggestions for planned changes to U.S. 51 North and South.
I attended the event as an interested citizen, not as a reporter. I am sharing what I learned, though this article does not have any journalistic rigor. I'm just writing what I remember.
Above Photo is a screenshot from Open Street Map
Also, this is a very early phase of the project and all details are subject to change.
Long story short, the City and State intend to reduce 51 North to three lanes between Eldorado and Pershing. In doing so, they will add a 10 foot 'multi-use' lane for biking and walking, with a 5-foot "green space" buffer between the bike lane and the road.
The project is separated into three phases - Study, Design and Land Acquisition, and Construction. The 'Study' portion will conclude in Spring 2024; Design will conclude in Fall 2024; Construction will begin in Spring 2025.
I was told by a contractor the rough estimated cost is around $15 million dollars, though I did not ask where the funding comes from.
I was told the road could support traffic with just two lanes, but that two lanes isn't really being considered. City Manager Scot Wrighton did say he'd like to see two lanes.
It seems, though I couldn't get a firm answer, that the sidewalk on the east side of 51 North will be removed in order to allow space for the bike lane & a buffer. The lanes will be 12 feet wide, the buffer 5 feet, and the multi-use lane 10 feet.
I think the current lanes are 12 feet wide, so I anticipate the sidewalk has to be used.
I advocated for the buffer to include trees or thick shrubbery to protect pedestrians. The 'tree' suggestion received some pushback for concern of drivers.
I advocated for 10 or 11 foot lanes, because I've read that skinnier lanes encourage drivers to slow down, since there isn't as much wiggle room. It seemed VERY unlikely lanes would go skinnier than 12 feet.
I heard from Karl Coleman that the Fire Union does not want to reduce the lanes, because it will affect their ability to respond to fires. I have no further knowledge about that.
There was seemingly a lot of interest in addressing safety concerns along the road, with drivers going very fast when coming down the overpass, traveling north from Eldorado. The only proposed solution i remember was potentially additional traffic lights. Also, the reduced lanes may encourage drivers to slow down.
I advocated for aesthetics that might encourage drivers to slow down, though I had no specific suggestion.
There's a lot I'm forgetting, but hopefully this is a good enough overview for you.
IDOT says there will be multiple opportunities for us to comment on this project, as plans are further developed. On this phase, you can make suggestions until April 13th, 2023. IDOT reps said documents regarding the plans would be uploaded soon, but I don't see them as of yet.
I didn't ask much about 51 south, and am not sure what changes are proposed there. I know the multi-use path is only for 51 North.
To make suggestions visit the project page and click the 'Join the Mailing List' button/link.
I also advocated for zoning changes to encourage business development (though I have no specifics to recommend), simultaneous water-main repairs (working with business owners & residents), active outreach to residents along 51 north (which I was told they did), beautification of edges along the bike/walking path (making parking lots & vacant lots feel safer and more inviting), and a few other things I forget.
I forgot to advocate for gentrification-prevention measures. These might include rent control and limiting property tax increases.
I think this is a great move by the city and state. I recommend the book Walkable City by Jeff Speck, which I finished the day before the traffic study.
I believe these improvements to walkability could enrich the neighborhoods around them. I don't think people should be forced to walk or bike, but I think it should be a valid, safe, and enjoyable option.
As our city stands, in my personal experience, the only good option is to drive. I just want a choice, and I want residents in that area to have a choice too. If the walking/biking route is dangerous, if there's nothing to walk to, if it's boring and uninviting, then driving is the only real choice.
Okay. Thanks for reading. If you have feelings about this, please advocate through the project page. You could also advocate with city departments, the city manager, or elected city councilors.
I understand this is also working with the Bicycle Master Plan, from July 2021.