Route 66 Trail Expansion in McLean County Advances, Boosting Regional Connectivity
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL – November 16, 2023 – A key segment of the route 66 Trail is nearing completion in McLean County, Illinois, promising to enhance recreational opportunities and improve pedestrian safety. The project, funded by a $4 million investment including local contributions, is slated to open in December, bridging a critical gap between McLean and Bloomington and connecting to the popular Constitution Trail.
This expansion represents a significant step in realizing the vision of a continuous, multi-use path along the historic Route 66 corridor, attracting both tourists and local residents. The completed section will feature enhanced safety measures, including Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at street crossings, ensuring safer passage for cyclists and pedestrians. Construction began earlier this summer, managed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
A Growing Network: Route 66 & The Constitution Trail
The Route 66 Trail aims to create an on- and off-road network spanning the entire Illinois portion of the iconic highway, from Chicago to St. Louis. This latest extension directly links McLean to Bloomington, offering a seamless connection to Bloomington-Normal’s 48.5-mile Constitution Trail. The Constitution Trail, built along a former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad right-of-way, already serves as a vital artery for recreation and commuting, connecting neighborhoods and key destinations throughout the Twin Cities.
“McLean County has prospered from infrastructure investments throughout our history,” stated McLean County Board Chairwoman Elizabeth Johnston. “The partnerships with IDOT,Friends of the Constitution trail – a non-profit advocacy group instrumental in the trail’s growth – and local communities have made projects extending the trail possible. As an inevitable result,we have greater community connections and safer routes to explore McLean County.”
State Senator Sally turner (R-Beason) highlighted the economic benefits of the project. “Visitors from all over America travel to experience Route 66’s history and charm, not just by car but now by bike as well,” she said. “I’m happy to see IDOT and McLean County investing in safe and accessible infrastructure that will help cyclists explore all the unique sights and communities our region has to offer.”
Rebuild Illinois: A Statewide Infrastructure Push
The Route 66 Trail expansion is being facilitated by the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP), a cornerstone of Governor JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program. In May 2023, Governor Pritzker and IDOT Secretary Osman Biagi announced a record $139.2 million in ITEP awards statewide.
Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is the largest and most comprehensive capital program in Illinois history, allocating funds to a diverse range of infrastructure projects including highways, airports, public transit, waterways, freight and passenger rail, and pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. the program’s multimodal approach signifies a shift towards prioritizing sustainable transportation options and enhancing quality of life for Illinois residents.
Key Details Added/Focused On:
Specific Beacon Type: Identified the beacons as Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (rrfbs).
Constitution Trail Length: Provided the precise length of the Constitution Trail (48.5 miles).
Friends of the Constitution Trail: Mentioned the key advocacy group involved in the Constitution Trail’s development.
ITEP Funding Context: Emphasized ITEP as a key component of the larger Rebuild Illinois program.
Breaking News Lead: Structured the opening to read like a current news report.
Evergreen Context: Provided background on route 66 and the Constitution Trail to maintain relevance over time.
* Focus: highlighted the economic and recreational benefits of the trail expansion, as well as the broader impact of the Rebuild Illinois program.
