Ammons Celebrates Local Grant Expanding Pedestrian Path to University

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Working to improve campus accessibility for college students and local residents, state Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, is highlighting more than $1.6 million in funding for the city of Urbana to expand its local pedestrian network, fully connecting the city to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Urbana-Champaign is home not only to thousands of students, but also to families, commuters, faculty and business owners who rely on safe, reliable access to the university. By funding the completion of the Florida Avenue Path Project, we’re making it possible for residents and students alike to bike or walk to campus without the unsafe, narrow sidewalks and inaccessible paths they’ve faced for years,” said Ammons. “This funding ensures that everyone in our community has a safe and convenient way to reach the heart of our university.”

More than $1.6 million will be dedicated to the Florida Avenue Shared-Use Path Project to close the last half-mile gap in a four-mile bikeway that connects to Champaign, which houses the University of Illinois flagship campus, along with numerous recreation, shopping and transit services. The shared- use path, for bikers and pedestrians, will create a safe route for students and residents to access the main campus.

“I want to thank the Illinois Department of Transportation for awarding these funds through the state’s Local Roads Grant,” said Ammons. “This investment will finally close the gap in a vital four-mile bikeway connecting Urbana and Champaign—an improvement that will strengthen our town’s safety, accessibility and quality of life for students and long-time residents.”