Some safety improvements will be added near two Westville schools as part of Illinois’ Safe Routes to School program. New striped crosswalks, flashing lights activated by pushbuttons, and speed radar signs will be added near Judith Giacoma School and Westville Junior High School. Sidewalks will also be upgraded to meet accessibility standards.
The $250-thousand-dollar grant for safety upgrades in Westville is part of $9.8 million dollars in grants announced to boost the health and safety of children walking or biking to school. The grants were announced by the Illinois Department of Transportation and Governor JB Pritzker. There were 47 projects selected for funding out of 143 applications received from governments and schools throughout the state.
“Safe Routes to School Projects are small improvements that make a big difference in their communities” said Illinois Department of 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 or bike, as well as their loved ones, peace of mind knowing they have safe options to get to where they want to go.”
“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’’ said Governor Pritzker.
