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City staff updates BPAC on Florida Avenue shared‑use path, Lincoln Avenue corridor and grant pursuits
Summary
City Public Works staff reported progress on several pedestrian and bicycle projects, including Florida Avenue shared‑use path plans (90% complete), Bakers Lane finalize plans and easements, EQL FY22 streetlight installations, and the North Lincoln Avenue corridor study moving through concept and federal review for SS4A grant funding.
City Public Works staff briefed the Urbana Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission on Aug. 19 about current and planned bicycle and pedestrian capital projects and grant efforts.
The staff update noted Florida Avenue shared‑use path plans are about 90% complete with construction planned for 2026. Bakers Lane shared‑use path final plans are completed and staff are negotiating easements with the forest preserve and park district; construction is slated to begin in early fall and complete in 2026. The FY22 EQL streetlight program is substantially complete; some Florida Avenue poles remain to be energized.
The Lincoln Avenue corridor study received city council endorsement on July 28. Staff said the North Lincoln Avenue project (Washer to Killarney) is moving through concept planning and that a Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant application and FHWA/IDOT reviews are underway; staff expect to continue public outreach and aim to bid the project in FY28. Intersection design details at Race and Vine on Florida Avenue are under IDOT review; staff plan to share preliminary pedestrian and bicycle flow designs with BPAC once IDOT comments are returned.
Staff also reported small sidewalk improvement contracts under construction (about 700 feet added with an extra 100 feet added after favorable bids) and ongoing work to install audio devices at signalized intersections. Public Works said it is pursuing a non‑infrastructure grant application for a community travel plan around schools (Safe Routes to School) that could include a walking route audit and support future infrastructure grant applications.
Why it matters: These projects and grant efforts shape the city’s walking and biking network and are the basis for future funding requests and corridor redesigns that affect safety and mobility for residents and students.
Ending: Staff said they will return to BPAC with design details for Race & Vine intersections and that project timelines depend on federal and IDOT reviews and funding cycles.
