‘Prospect Protest': Neighbors divided over potential traffic flow, bike lane changes
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Many neighbors in Champaign are protesting the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) proposed plan to change Prospect Avenue. Some have put red ribbons around trees and others hung up a 35-foot sign that's turning heads.
IDOT hosted a meeting over the summer to gather community input regarding the proposal, impacting drivers on Prospect between Marketview Drive and Springfield Avenue. People had concerns about widening the road then and reconfiguring the lanes then.
Now, some are more worried about the one-mile stretch between Bradley and Springfield Avenues because that's where a bike lane could go in and traffic patterns changed.
Neighbors near the Prospect and University Avenue intersection want to spread awareness so others know about the project. They feel one way to do that is by installing a sign along the fence that reads 'Future Site of the 'Suicide' Bike Path.'
Some think making changes could lead to more problems, while others feel the proposal is good.
New safety measures added to Thomasboro road, crash hotspot
'I've spoken with city officials about going ahead and re-striping and trying the three-lane configuration out, let's see how it works,' Brad LaPayne, a neighbor in the area, said.
But, he isn't on board with widening the road by four feet. LaPayne tied red ribbons around trees and said neighbors hung the sign.
'Taking the trees down and adding a bike lane seems silly to me,' he added.
He said he doesn't see bicyclists on Prospect very often.
Cynthia Hoyle, a transportation planner and advocate for safe streets, rides her bike as often as possible but avoids Prospect.
'It is a scary road to bike on,' she described.
Hoyle believes the proposed 'Road Diet' would keep bicyclists and drivers safer. However, LaPayne is worried that this type of traffic flow would cause headaches.
'You still have the same number of vehicles, but they're stretched further down the road,' LaPayne said.
'My life could've been taken': Coles Co. mom recounts car crash involving her 3-week-old, pushes for change
In the meantime, he's keeping everyone informed.
'The process is still ongoing until they start moving things, I think we can still influence what happens here,' LaPayne added.
Hoyle is feeling confident that any changes are a good thing.
'I'm absolutely sure it will work,' she said. 'It has worked everywhere else that we've done it in town. We have not undone any place that we've done a road diet. It has improved safety, made the traffic flow better and everybody's been happier.'
WCIA reached out to IDOT with several questions, you can see the full response below.
Question: What is IDOT's response to the red ribbons around the trees?
Answer: 'The plans were developed for Prospect Avenue with extensive input from the City of Champaign since the inception of this project. The IDOT section of Prospect Avenue will closely match the City of Champaign's proposed section of Prospect Avenue that is south of Springfield Avenue. Our proposed project is a result of working with local government (City of Champaign) to arrive at a plan to make this corridor more accessible to bikes and pedestrians. To implement the Road Diet and on-road bicycle lanes as shown on the City of Champaign's Bicycle Vision Map, widening of the roadway is necessary which will likely impact trees along the corridor between the back of the existing curb and the sidewalk in the grass boulevard. IDOT's policy is to plant new trees to replace those impacted by the project.'
Question: What about the large sign about neighbors' concerns about adding a bike path?
'Safety is our top priority on everything we do, including this project. IDOT's Bureau of Design and Environment (BDE) Manual indicates for an Urban Roadway with a posted speed of 35 MPH and an Average Daily Traffic greater than 19,000 an 8-foot on-road bicycle lane is appropriate and the 8' lane will also include the buffer as proposed with our project.'
Question: What's the project cost and timeline?
Answer: 'The project is currently programmed at $15.6 million for FY 2027, with construction potentially starting in the Spring of 2027 and anticipated to take two construction seasons.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Illinois EPA sponsoring Champaign Co. household waste collection event
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Champaign County is set to host a one-day household hazardous waste collection event later this summer. This drop-off event, sponsored by the Illinois EPA, is taking place on Aug. 9 and is open to all Illinois residents. Residents must pre-register for this event at by selecting an available time slot between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Urbana crop research lab's future uncertain; what could this mean for consumers The online registration begins June 16, and the event will take place at the State Farm Center in the southwest parking lot off Saint Mary's Road. Immediately upon reserving a time, a confirmation email and/or text will be sent. Residents who register will also receive a postcard in the U.S. Mail five to 10 days before the event, which serves as their ticket to the event. Additionally, those participating at these events are encouraged to bring the following: Oil-based paints Paint thinners Varnish Stain Herbicides Pesticides Insecticides Chemical cleaners Cleaning products Antifreeze Used motor oil Old gasoline and kerosene Acids Corrosives Mercury Lawn chemicals Weed killers Solvents Pool chemicals Hobby chemicals Aerosol paints and pesticides Household batteries (non-alkaline) Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) Any other similar hazardous household products Fluorescent light tubes and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections. Champaign woman to host event for gun violence, drug abuse awareness On the other hand, items not accepted include: Latex/water-based paint Smoke detectors Propane tanks Fire extinguishers Explosives Fireworks Lead-acid batteries Unwanted/expired medications Controlled substances Needles and potentially infectious medical wastes Farm machinery oil Farm chemicals Biohazard waste Institutional waste Agricultural waste/chemicals Business/commercial sector wastes Online registration will stay open until all the time slots are full. Residents who need assistance registering for the event can contact Nichole Millage, Environmental Sustainability Specialty by email at recycling@ or over the phone at 217-403-4780. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Rochester fire crews respond to kitchen fire at senior living apartment
SANGAMON COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — One person was brought to the hospital for an evaluation following a fire at a senior living apartment in Sangamon County on Sunday. The Rochester Fire Protection District said the fire started in the kitchen of a cottage located in the 1100 block of Community Drive. Meat on the stove had overheated and caught fire, which damaged the stove, microwave and the surrounding cabinets. Chatham 5K proceeds to be donated in crash victim's honor The smoke alarms were working, which alerted the residents and allowed the fire crews to responded quickly. The first responders arrived around 1:30 p.m. and the fire was out within minutes, according to Rochester fire officials. All units were able to leave the scene around 2 p.m. There were two people inside the apartment at the time of the fire. One person was brought to the hospital for a precautionary evaluation, but no major injuries were reported. Springfield, Riverton, Dawson and Mechanicsburg fire crews provided mutual aid and helped get the fire under control. The Rochester Police Department also responded to the scene. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Yahoo
Chatham 5K proceeds to be donated in crash victim's honor
CHATHAM, Ill. (WCIA) — Proceeds from this year's Chatham Jaycees Sweetcorn Festival 5K will be donated in honor of Bradley Lund, who died on Monday as a result of the April crash into the YNOT after school camp. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Chatham Jaycees said that all of the proceeds from this year's run/walk will be donated to The Backyard at the Library in honor of 8-year-old Bradley Lund and the Lund Family. Lund was the fifth child who died as a result of the crash. Dana-Thomas House Foundation donates $50k for historic Springfield site restoration 'Words cannot express what the Lund family means to our community, our kids, and our organization,' Chatham Jaycees said in its post. They are also strongly encouraging people to register early so that they can order shirts and medals for all the participants. Additionally, Chatham Jaycees has extended the $5 registration discount through June 12. There is also going to be an option to make additional donations on the race's website. The event is family friendly, so participants can run, walk or even push strollers during the race. The 50th annual Sweetcorn Festival 5K will take place from 8-10 a.m. on July 19 at 700 S Main St. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. on July 15. 'We can't wait to see you in July,' Chatham Jaycees said. 'Let's show up big for Bradley and continue to be together as a community.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
