HUNTEY, IL – As of August 15, the Village of Huntley concluded construction on a continuous multi-use path along the north side of Reed Road stretching an approximate distance of 0.25 miles and is now open for use to the public.
According to Tim Farrell, Director of Public Works and Engineering for the Village of Huntley, the path project began in direct response to the announcement of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s (IDOT) Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP).
“The Village was awarded an ITEP grant in the amount of $192,000.00 for partial costs of engineering and construction of the multi-use path. On July 26, 2018, the Village Board adopted a Quality Based Selection (QBS) policy and procedures for selecting an engineering consultant,” Farrell said. “Following the QBS process, the selection team identified Christopher B. Burke Engineering, LTD as the highest ranked consultant.”
IDOT announced on May 7, 2018 a nearly $36 million investment to expand travel options and enhance the quality of life throughout various state communities which include amenities such as biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel at the local level.
Illinois Transportation Secretary, Randy Blankenhorn, said in a public press release, “By investing in our local communities, we are strengthening our state’s transportation system as a whole.”
“ITEP allows us to invest millions of dollars in multimodal infrastructure based on local needs, in doing so, we are improving options for safe travel and enhancing quality of life in communities across Illinois. Each of these investments embody our core mission at IDOT and bring us a step closer to our goal of a multimodal transportation system that benefits all residents of Illinois.”
Farrell explained that part of the engineering design included upgrades to make the path more accessible to residents. One of the enhancements involved improving a handicap pedestrian ramp at the intersection of Reed Road and Route 47 in compliance to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
“An Environmental Survey Request (ESR) was completed and submitted to IDOT that included a wetlands delineation to demonstrate no impacts to wetlands as a result of the project. The total project cost, including engineering, was approximately $300,000,” Farrell said.
“The path segment is intended to enhance the pedestrian experience by filling a gap network which facilitates safe access to and from schools for the surrounding neighborhoods. The project extends the existing multi-use path networks which currently serve the Talamore residential subdivision west of Vine Street, the multi-use path network east and north of the IL Route 47 intersection with Reed Road, as well as commercial destinations.”
To be eligible for ITEP awards, applicants must commit a local match of at least 20 percent to their project and demonstrate a plan to have their awards spent within the next four years.
