County expected to apply for IDOT funds to expand the bike trail plans

[September 14, 2016]  LINCOLN - The Logan County Regional Planning Commission met Wednesday, September 7, 2016. One highlight of their discussion was how they could use available Illinois Department of Transportation planning funds.

County Engineer Bret Aukamp said the county would be eligible for about $14,000 in IDOT planning funds and submissions need to be in by the end of September. He handed out a list of nine criteria and said plans would need to meet at least three of the criteria.

Aukamp said the items should fit with the Comprehensive Plan. He said since it is a planning grant, funds cannot be used for construction or design, but can be used for studies or locations. Aukamp asked for suggestions on how to use the funding.

Commission members had suggestions about traffic flow studies of Keokuk and Woodlawn, energy savings and efficiency studies, an energy audit on upgrading streetways, and expansion of the bike trail.

After brief discussions on other topics, several members had ideas for a bike trail expansion.

Aukamp said bike trails would meet three criteria since they promote energy conservation, enhance the environment, and add to connectivity of transportation system.

Aukamp said the trails subcommittee has done studies on bike trails, and are still trying to figure out how the trail could go south of Lincoln towards Salt Creek to get access to Madigan Park. He said a few alternative routes could be explored and some plans would help them get grants.

Aukamp said the trails subcommittee has been exploring routes to expand the bike trail. He said they are looking towards ALMH, Walmart, and Castle Manor.

Commission member Marty Neitzel said biking helps with quality of life. She would like to see trails expanded.

Commission member Jim Vipond said he would also like to see follow ups on the studies done and see the trail expanded with more connections to the south or west side of town.

Aukamp said they are trying to figure out how to access the west side of Lincoln. Right now, car traffic makes that area unsafe for bikers, but there is a potential for on-road and off-road trails.

Commission member Dave Schonauer said a bike trail on the west side of town would be nice. Some residents walk or bike to work, so the trail would make it safer.

Commission member Jeff Hoinacki said branching out from the hospital to the west side seems like a good idea.

Aukamp said it would make sense to branch out from the hospital because it would be safer for bikers.

Neitzel asked how bike trails and pedestrian paths could work together.

Commission chairman Bill Graff said he has seen paths with one lane for bikers and another for pedestrians.

Aukamp and D'Andrea will work on a proposal to send to IDOT by the end of the month.

Members of the Regional Planning Commission present were Chairman Bill Graff, Vice Chairman Blair Hoerbert, Bob Farmer, Jim Fuhrer, Jeff Hoinacki, Marty Neitzel, Scott Schaffenacker, Dave Schonauer and Jim Vipond. County Highway Engineer Bret Aukamp was also present.

[Angela Reiners]