WASHINGTON, Ill. – A project that brings much needed safety improvements to one of Washington’s busiest roads is now complete.
City leaders on Wednesday cut the ribbon on the completed Nofsinger/Dallas Road Realignment Project. The project realigned the intersection of Nofsinger Road and U.S Route 24, due to safety concerns.
Previously, motorists would have to yield in the middle of the intersection if they wanted to cross the road to turn left, or off of Route 24. Now, the intersection has traffic signals that allow motorists to cross safely. There’s also a walking path along Dallas Road.
City Engineer Dennis Carr says the intersection led to numerous crashes and a lot of confusion. In addition to the increased safety, it also brings a peace of mind for people in the residential areas.
“As a parent myself, I know my kids can’t drive yet, but eventually they will,” Carr said. “For all of those parents who are north of the bypass, it’s just a very heartwarming thing that stress is no longer there.”
Carr says the project was completed on time and cost an estimated $6.85 million, with most of the funding coming from state and federal grants.
Mayor Gary Manier says the project has been in the works since 2013. He says that’s when engineering work was complete, but funding never arrived until last year. Manier says some of the hold ups in the project’s timeline include recovery from the November 2013 tornado, COVID, and awaiting approval from city council.
In addition to the safety improvements, Manier sees the area as a potential economic engine for Washington.
“If the amphitheater’s built, restaurants pop up, hotels, it could be all kinds of things here, so it could be limitless what happens on this corridor,” Manier said.
Manier says overall, he’s hopeful young drivers will be safe on the road and that parents can rest easy.
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