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Overview and Scope
The Business Route 51 project is being proposed for many reasons. The proposed improvements will serve to connect other transportation modes, enhances safety throughout the project corridor, use vacated right-of-way segments along the route, and provide a direct and positive impact on the adjoining neighborhoods.
There are multiple reasons for the decline in use of the Business Route 51 between Pershing Road and Eldorado Street: the re-routing of Route 51 to the West Decatur Bypass, population decline, re-positioning of truck nodes to the east side of the City, and the prohibition of thru-traffic of 18-wheeler vehicles in the central business district.
Conversion of north and south-bound Business Route 51 corridors to three lanes means the city can re-purpose segments of the existing right-of-way with non-motorized paths and make improvements to the overall streetscape. Improvements may include enhanced lighting, use of green/open space, and create better road access. These improvements will be done in a way that will complement the City’s efforts to revitalize adjacent neighborhoods.
Goals of the project include enhancing the safety of the route and provide better connection to key destinations such as the central business district, Decatur Memorial Hospital, Wabash Crossing, Crossing Healthcare, St. Teresa High School and regional shopping places, all of which lie along the corridor. The project study will analyze various options and alternatives for Business Route 51. Options include completely separating vehicular traffic from non-motorized traffic. All options to be studied will conform to current projects undertaken by the City to develop a plan for a county-wide network of off- road paths for non-motorized hike/bike recreation and transportation.
IDOT is also analyzing ways to repurpose the right-of-way along Business Route 51. Business Route 51 no longer needs to carry as much traffic volume as in the past and could be used to improve livability of adjoining homes that are currently too close to busy traffic lanes.
