Litchfield Commits $60,895 for Safe Routes to School Sidewalk Project on Tyler and State Streets

Litchfield City Council Meeting | March 5, 2026

Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council authorized a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to construct new sidewalks along Tyler Avenue and State Street, utilizing a combination of federal Safe Routes to School grants and local funds.

Safe Routes to School Key Points:

• The council approved a resolution executing a Joint Agreement with IDOT for federally funded construction.

• The project will install ADA-compliant sidewalks, detectable warning panels, and curb and gutter on sections of Tyler Avenue and State Street.

• The city is committing $60,895 from its Capital Improvement funds to cover the local share of the project.

The Litchfield City Council on Thursday, March 5, 2026, unanimously approved a joint funding agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to bring long-awaited pedestrian safety improvements to local school routes.

Alderperson Dwayne Gerl introduced the motion to approve the resolution, which was seconded by Alderperson Robbin Huffman. The agreement clears the way for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) sidewalk project targeting areas heavily traversed by students.

“This is for the Safe Routes to School grant for sidewalks on Tyler and State Street,” City Administrator Breann Vazquez explained to the council. “This resolution is declaring that public funds are available to cover our portion, which is $60,895.”

According to the project description in the agenda packet, the construction will feature pavement removal, the installation of proposed 4-inch and 6-inch ADA-compliant sidewalks, new curb and gutter, and ADA detectable warning panels with striped crosswalks. The improvements will span Tyler Avenue from State Street to Chestnut Street (0.38 miles), and State Street from Tyler Avenue to just south of Jones Street (0.33 miles).

During the discussion, Vazquez clarified that this specific agreement does not cover improvements to Sallee Avenue, noting that Sallee is slated for a future phase in fiscal year 2027. Vazquez emphasized that the city aggressively pursues the Safe Routes to School grant program every other year to execute a phased pedestrian safety plan across the municipality.

The council approved the joint agreement via a unanimous 8-0 roll call vote.