The Illinois Department of Transportation is set to undertake a significant project - the reconstruction of a section of Illinois Route 29. This endeavor comes with the necessity of removing eight homes in the area and relocating a Peoria Park District landmark. The proposed reconstruction would transform Galena Road, stretching from just north of the McClugage Bridge (U.S. 150) in Peoria Heights to north of Gardner Lane in Peoria.

Project Highlights and Exhibits

At the open house public hearing scheduled for Wednesday Dec. 4, from 4-6 p.m. at the Peoria Heights Grade School gymnasium at 500 East Glen Avenue, IDOT staffers will display aerial photographs, reports, and other project exhibits. These exhibits will vividly showcase the proposed relocation of the Grand View Drive Pavillion and its impacts on Grand View Drive Park and Bielfeldt Park. The state's plans include improvements to a 2.6-mile stretch of Route 29, adding a bi-directional turn lane and ample space for pedestrians and bicycle riders.

Impact on Park District Property

IDOT has stated that it would convert about one acre of park district property to highway use. This decision has significant implications for the Grand View Drive Pavillion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. The pavilion is set to be relocated about 40 to 60 feet from its current site. Such a move is a delicate balance between fulfilling the need for road improvements and preserving historical and recreational assets.

Displacement of Homes

In addition to the impact on the park district, the road improvements also require the state to acquire right-of-way and displace eight homes. This is a challenging aspect of the project, as it directly affects the lives of the residents. IDOT staffers will be available at the open house to receive input, provide information, and answer questions regarding this significant displacement.

Public Input and Communication

IDOT is actively seeking public comment about these plans. Comments can be submitted at the meeting itself or emailed to DOT.IL29GalenaRdProject@Illinois.gov. There is also the option to mail comments to Karen Dvorsky, IDOT Program Development Engineer at 401 Main St., Peoria, IL 61602. Phone: (309) 671-3491 and TTY (866) 273-3681. This open communication channel is crucial for ensuring that the public's voice is heard and considered in the decision-making process.You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.Copyright 2024 WEEK. All rights reserved.