[MARCH 3, 2006]
Lincoln may be moving forward on a bike trail that
has been in the planning since 1999. John Sutton, who has worked
diligently over the years on making the trail a reality, brought
news before the city council that the trail has a new boost through
the Route 66 tourism project and the Illinois Department of Natural
Resources.
Through the Route 66 program the bicycle trail would run parallel to
or on Route 66 from Chicago to St. Louis.
A new Greenways Plan proposes the Logan County trail follow old
Route 66, connecting with McLean County to the north and Sangamon
County to the south.
The Lincoln portion would be part of the central Illinois trail
connecting Bloomington and Springfield. The city route has two loops
planned that would bring bicyclists into town, offering points of
interest such as the Lincoln College Museum, downtown, parks,
historical sites and, depending on what happens at Lincoln Estates,
perhaps around there.
Sutton met with Mayor Davis, city streets superintendent Tracy
Jackson and city engineer Mark Mathon last week. Out of that meeting
it was discussed that signs that have been in storage and could be
put up soon.
Logan County officials were meeting on Thursday to work on the
Logan County Greenways Plan that would include development of the
bicycle trail.
* * *
Four Lincoln Police Department officers will be going to a
special training in Iowa that addresses search warrants. Chief
Robert Rawlins said the program offered some things on the subject
that have not been covered in other training the department has
gotten and could prove valuable. The four-day program is free,
including the cost of the stay. All the officers need covered is
transportation cost.
Drivers, be aware: New signs will be going up out on Fifth Street
to Lincoln's west city limits and all of Connolley Road. The roads
in areas that were annexed into city limits with the new
developments to the west fall under city speed rates by ordinance.
The speeds will be brought down to 35 mph. Signs will go up soon.
* * *
Alderman Daron Whitaker put Omaha Street near Lincoln College
next on the city's to-do list. It will be discussed at next week's
council session.
* * *
News that the city has received a first grant request made on
their Washington, D.C., trip was celebrated this week. Alderman Buzz
Busby said that the $482,182 federal grant is for a sewers project.
They are still waiting on another grant request that was made at
the same time for relining Pulaski Street.
And a third request has been submitted for funds for the south
lift station.
