County expected to apply for IDOT
funds to expand the bike trail plans
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[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.
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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.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Sep/14/images/ads/current/stacy_sda_071216.png) 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.
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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]
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