PEORIA, Ill. – One of the main roads in Peoria’s East Bluff is now fully open again.
City leaders cut a ceremonial ribbon on Wednesday to signify the completion of the Wisconsin Avenue reconstruction project. The $6.5 million project rebuilt the road between McClure and Nebraska, as well as adding new sidewalks and multi-use walkways on the stretch of road.
Third District Councilman Tim Riggenbach says the vision for the reconstruction began ten years ago.
“It’s taken a long time to get the financing together to get the design work done, but we’re just thrilled to have this first phase open to the public,” Riggenbach said.
Riggenbach says one of the highlights of the project for him is the multi-use paths that give children a safe walkway between Glen Oak Learning Center and Von Stuben Middle School.
The next phase of the project will do similar work on Wisconsin between Forrest Hill and McClure. City Engineer Andrea Klopenstein design work is underway for that phase.
Work on the portion between McClure and Nebraska began in March, but Klopenstein says it was scheduled to be finished next summer.
“However, because of how we staged the project, closing between blocks, we allowed the contractor to have more space without having to worry about cars being in the way. So they were able to move more quickly,” Klopenstein said.
Public Works Nick McMillion says the project not only improves the quality of life in the neighborhood. He is also hopeful for an economic impact as well.
“We know that when there’s better roads systems in place, sidewalks, multi-use paths, better roadways for people to get where they need to go, it can potentially bring in new businesses and new opportunities,” McMillion said.
McMillion says the next phase of the project is scheduled to begin in 2026.
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