RPC Helps City of Urbana Become a More Walkable and Active Community

During the Fall of 2022, the RPC’s Planning and Community Development division assisted the City of Urbana in applying for two Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grants. ITEP is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and involves funding to improve surface transportation, as well as encourage alternative modes of travel such as biking and walking. The RPC oversaw the application process.

This past April, the City of Urbana announced that they had been awarded $2.5 million for two projects in this application cycle: one to construct a shared-use path along Florida Avenue from Race Street to Lincoln Avenue, and the other to construct a shared-use path along Bakers Lane, connecting Main Street and Washington Street east of Weaver Park.

Shared-use paths are wide pathways that can accommodate both bicycle and pedestrian travel in both directions. Though there are plenty of these pathways around Champaign-Urbana, just one example of a shared-use path already present in the community would be those at Meadowbrook Park.

“We are very excited that these grants were awarded,” comments RPC planner Gaby Harpel. “They will allow the City of Urbana to connect to existing infrastructure and help create a more walkable and active community.” Thanks to Gaby and planner Gabe Lewis for their work on behalf of the City!