Tim Landis
The State Journal-Register
MacArthur Boulevard alternatives in a state transportation study to be released next week range from basic repaving to roadway expansion plans that would affect up to 156 parcels of land along the busy thoroughfare.
The Illinois Department of Transportation has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday on six alternatives — ranging in cost from $1.1 million to $16.5 million — resulting from a two-year study of boulevard traffic patterns, safety issues and beautification between South Grand Avenue and Wabash Avenue. A group of city officials, including Mayor Jim Langfelder and Ward 7 Ald. Joe McMenamin, were briefed on the proposals this week.
Thursday’s meeting is scheduled for 5 to 7 p.m. at South Side Christian Church, 2600 S. MacArthur Blvd.
“They are giving us options from a simple paving to the Cadillac option,” said Langfelder, “but what it really comes down to is prioritizing projects and funding. I think everybody would like better sidewalks, and greenways and making it more bikeable.”
McMenamin, whose ward includes the studied section of MacArthur, said Friday that the alternatives focus on traffic and pedestrian flow. Curbs and sidewalks are crumbled or non-existent at several spots along the boulevard, where average daily traffic is nearly 22,000 vehicles a day in some sections. “They have six alternatives with cost layouts for each,” said McMenamin. “There’s also a timeline for each alternative.”
The cheapest alternative would be to repave the existing corridor with no major traffic changes. More costly alternatives include widening the boulevard from Laurel Street to South Grand Avenue, lane expansion, added turn lanes, bike paths and sidewalks.
The least costly alternative would require no land acquisition, while more ambitious plans would affect up to 156 parcels, 10 to 21 buildings and up to 166 parking spaces. Whatever alternative is ultimately picked, said McMenamin, there still is no funding for the work.
The MacArthur Boulevard Association is among groups that have lobbied for accessibility and safety improvements to the boulevard.
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McMenamin said the IDOT study could revive the question of whether the city should take over MacArthur Boulevard from the state. The boulevard is part of the Illinois 154 corridor through Springfield. “It’s in the background,” said McMenamin. “We’d like to get control on MacArthur Boulevard, but we don’t want to take control of damaged goods.”
Joe McMenamin for Ward 7 