Pioneer Pkwy, University reconstruction to include 10-foot-wide shared paths

PEORIA (25News Now) - A busy intersection is nearing a major makeover, but it will create some inconveniences along the way.

Pioneer Parkway and University are both main vessels with a bumpy ride.

This $5 million re-do will take less than a year, if goes as planned, starting next Spring.

The construction will include pavement replacement, lane adjustments, updated traffic signals and the additional of a shared sidewalk and bike path.

Project manager Shane Larson says this shared path is safer for everyone.

“The shared use path will be 10 feet wide, which will accommodate bicyclists outside of the roadway... which by a lot of studies will say is a lot safer than having bike lanes right on the roadway,” said Larson.

The total cost is expected to be $5.4 million, and federal funding will cover $2.4 million. The City of Peoria will cover the rest.

To decrease the impact on local businesses on both roadway, the project will be separated in phases and at least one entrance will be open at all times.

However, during a meeting Tuesday night, organizers said businesses will not be reimbursed for any potential loss in revenue.

The project timeline is Spring 2024 to December 2024.

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