SPRINGFIELD –The City of Decatur will see a combined $4 million investment in bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced Monday.

“This is a great investment for the city of Decatur, especially as we head into the warmest months of the year,” Said Turner. “This grant creates an opportunity for safe activities for families, residents and cyclist.”

Residents of the Central Illinois area will see improvements to Stevens Creek Bikeway 2A and Decatur Route 51 Bike/Walkway. 

The Park District will use the grant funding to acquire 31.7 acres of land located in the northwest portion of Decatur.  The land will allow for access to the current 10-foot-wide asphalt bike trail, which is 9.8 miles long with an additional 1.5 miles under development.  The new gain in land will help complete the final 2 miles of the Stevens Creek Bikeway.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Learn more about the program, eligible projects and the application process here.