IDOT to update progress on Route 29 project at public hearing
The Illinois Department of Transportation will host a public open house/hearing regarding progress on the pending reconstruction of Illinois Route 29 from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4, at the Peoria Heights Grade School gymnasium, 500 E. Glen Ave., Peoria Heights.
The $70 million-plus widening and improvement of 2.5 miles of Illinois Route 29 through Peoria Heights and part of Peoria – basically from the McClugage Bridge to Gardner Lane – along with the construction of a bluff-side recreational path overlooking the Illinois River, is considered a potentially transformational project for the Village. The development also is an important one for the region given Route 29’s status as a commuter thoroughfare and northern gateway to the Peoria area.
Other impacts include the relocation of the Grandview Drive Pavilion, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, to make way for the path. Grandview and Bielfeldt parks will be affected, with about 1 acre of their combined 200 acres being converted to highway use. The state will be acquiring right-of-way property along with eight residences.
The project is currently in the planning stages, with groundbreaking expected in the latter part of this decade.
Anyone interested in learning more about or weighing in on any of the above issues is encouraged to attend. The location is accessible to those with disabilities. IDOT staff will be present to provide information and answer questions.