Although many things are shut-down due to the coronavirus pandemic, planning continues for some road projects in Vermilion County. Members of the Danville Area Transportation Study Group are reviewing projects ranging from bridge replacements to the annual resurfacing and seal coat program.
But during a meeting on Thursday committee members heard there may be fewer dollars for road projects this year simply because people are driving a lot less because of the COVID-19 emergency. Cities, counties and townships depend on motor fuel tax dollars.
Also during their meeting, Danville Mass Transit Director Lisa Beith reported the city continues to offer free rides. The free rides started March 17th and are scheduled to be reviewed at the end of April.
Beith added extra efforts are being taken to make sure buses are safe during the COVID-19 health emergency. She says buses are being carefully cleaned a couple of times each day.
The Danville Area Transportation Study Group will be surveying its members seeking ideas for future projects. The DATS group consists of representatives from the City of Danville, Vermilion County, the towns of Tilton, Georgetown, Westville, Catlin, and Belgium – plus Danville, Newell, Georgetown and Catlin Townships, Danville Mass Transit, CRIS Healthy Aging Center, Vermilion Regional Airport, and spokesmen from both the Illinois Department of Transportation and Federal Highway Administration.
