Peoria County approves $270,011 federal HSIP safety award, $35,000 engineering agreement

Peoria County officials approved a resolution to accept $270,011 in Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funds for engineering and construction of safety improvements at six county intersections and authorized a $35,000 engineering agreement with Hutchinson Engineering.

"In October, we were notified that we've been awarded a total of $270,011 for engineering and construction," Jeff, a county highway department representative, told the board. "The federal amount will pay for 90% of the project, so the county only has to be 10% cost share." He said Hutchinson Engineering was the only firm to submit for the engineering work and that IDOT recommended proceeding given the project's low cost.

Jeff described improvements that could include rumble strips, flashing solar-powered signs and, at one location with recent fatalities on Broomfield Jubilee Road, an "intelligent sign system" that flashes as drivers approach. The intersections identified for work include: Route 40 at Truett Road; Park School Road and Elliot Road; Illinois 116 at Eden Road; Illinois 116 at Texas Road; Illinois 116 at Stonesville Road; Henley Glasser Road at Lancaster Road; and Harker's Corner Road at Maple Ridge. One intersection near Mapleton will be reconfigured into a three-way stop.

A motion to place the resolution on the floor was made by Marcia and seconded by Faye; the board approved the measure. The county will next submit the engineering agreement to IDOT, after which a second agreement will follow to use the federal construction funds, Jeff said.

The measures aim to reduce accidents by increasing driver awareness at low-visibility or confusing approaches. The county's 10% cost-share will be required when construction agreements are processed with IDOT.

The board approved the resolution during the meeting and the matter will proceed to execution of the engineering contract and subsequent IDOT steps.