BPAC hears construction and design updates for shared-use paths, roadways and sidewalks

City staff briefed the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission on a series of ongoing design and construction projects affecting pedestrians and bicyclists.

Carmen Franks summarized progress: the Florida Avenue shared-use path design is about 90% complete and will be coordinated with the larger street reconstruction; Baker's Lane shared-use path concrete is finished and lighting is being installed; Washington Street concrete is complete and the overall project is expected to finish by mid-August. On roadways, the Country Club and Perkins Road project includes widening a southside sidewalk to a shared-use path and adding a new north-side sidewalk between Willow and Cunningham. The Lincoln Avenue corridor study is between concept and first-phase design, and the SS4A grant application submitted in May is under FHWA review.

Commissioners asked timing and logistics for specific closures, including Springfield Avenue impacts before the fall term; staff said Springfield work is expected to complete in time for students returning but lane closures may continue afterward. For Florida Avenue easement survey work and state review, staff said design review is in progress and phase-two design will move forward after IDOT approvals. "We are still 90% complete with design," Franks said of Florida Avenue, noting the projects vary in schedule and funding sources.