SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation today announced $9.8 million in grants for local projects that will help boost the health and safety of children by making walking and biking to school safer and more accessible. The Safe Routes to School program is funding 47 projects selected from 143 applications received from local governments and schools throughout the state.
“From Moline to Normal to Chicago Heights, the Safe Routes to Schools program is creating accessible communities that are safer and healthier places to live,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Thanks to these grants, 47 communities across the state will build projects that will ensure K-12 students, including those with disabilities, can safely walk or bike to school.”
Administered by IDOT using federal funds, Safe Routes to School supports projects and activities that improve safety and encourage active transportation options in areas around elementary, middle and high schools. Improvements include new and upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education and outreach programs.
“Safe Routes to School projects are small improvements that make a big difference in their communities,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Infrastructure supporting active transportation strengthens quality of life and mobility in small towns and big cities alike, while also providing people who walk and bike, as well as their loved ones, peace of mind knowing they have safe options to get to where they want to go.”
The maximum award amount is $250,000. Among the projects receiving funding:
- $250,000 to Greenville for new sidewalks, creating a safe, continuous route for students walking and biking around Greenville Elementary School, Greenville Junior High School and Bond County Community Unit 2 High School.
- $250,000 to Chicago Heights to collaborate with Chicago Heights School District 170 to install traffic calming devices, pedestrian striping and signage near several schools.
- $250,000 to Litchfield to replace and extend sidewalks serving Litchfield Elementary and J.D. Colt Elementary schools.
- $250,000 to Moline for new traffic control devices around seven schools.
- $249,810 to Marion for new sidewalks near Lincoln Elementary School that will close a gap between Morningside Elementary School and Illinois 13.
- $248,670 to Normal for a multiuse path to connect to existing pedestrian accommodations at Chiddix Junior High School and to purchase a new bike rack.
- $247,710 to Washington for an ongoing project to add new sidewalks along Grant Street near Beverly Manor School.
- $75,000 to Western Springs to develop a community travel plan that identifies safe biking and walking routes for each school in town.
- $21,920 to Pleasant Plains to host a bicycle rodeo and safety clinic for students in Pleasant Plains Community Unit School District 8.
To view a complete list, visit www.idot.illinois.gov/srts and click the “Awarded Projects” tab.
“The Safe Routes to School program enhances the health and safety of children across the state by making walking and biking to school safer and more accessible,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “This funding is a vital investment in our communities. These projects across the state will improve infrastructure, create safer environments for our students, and promote lifelong healthy habits.”
Safe Routes to School is yet another way that IDOT, under the leadership of Governor Pritzker, is making transformational investments in walking and biking infrastructure. To view a short video about the program and its impact on schools, click here or visit IDOT’s YouTube channel.
The next application period for Safe Routes to School is anticipated in 2025.
Visit www.idot.illinois.gov/srts or email DOT.SafeRoutes@Illinois.gov for more information.
See a list of Safe Routes to School grant recipients here: