City officials constructing cold weather plan
Updated: November 1, 2012
CHAMPAIGN -- In just a few weeks, Central Illinois will see snow and ice and city officials are getting prepared. They're doing construction that's supposed to help you get through it on University between Neil and Walnut.
Work is happening outside the city building and it's just the beginning. When the project is complete, sidewalks around the building will be new and equipped with heated concrete to melt snow and ice.
There will be new planters, a walkway design and heated benches as well. City officials say the pavement has been crumbling and needs to be fixed before winter makes it worse.
City Councilwoman Karen Foster says people have filed lawsuits against the city from slipping on the ice. It's one reason she says it's worth the $317,640 price tag.
"Two years ago I fell outside on the concrete after the meeting and broke my leg, so I think it's very important to have the city building as free from obstacles as possible," says Foster.
Leftover funds from the Brick Street Project will pay for the improvements. The project is designed to restore old buildings and sidewalks. Foster says it's money that couldn't be transferred to any other part of the budget.
The area of downtown where the construction is happening is high traffic. Of course, officials hope the construction makes downtown prettier and more attractive to visitors. It's scheduled to be finished by the end of November.
Work is happening outside the city building and it's just the beginning. When the project is complete, sidewalks around the building will be new and equipped with heated concrete to melt snow and ice.
There will be new planters, a walkway design and heated benches as well. City officials say the pavement has been crumbling and needs to be fixed before winter makes it worse.
City Councilwoman Karen Foster says people have filed lawsuits against the city from slipping on the ice. It's one reason she says it's worth the $317,640 price tag.
"Two years ago I fell outside on the concrete after the meeting and broke my leg, so I think it's very important to have the city building as free from obstacles as possible," says Foster.
Leftover funds from the Brick Street Project will pay for the improvements. The project is designed to restore old buildings and sidewalks. Foster says it's money that couldn't be transferred to any other part of the budget.
The area of downtown where the construction is happening is high traffic. Of course, officials hope the construction makes downtown prettier and more attractive to visitors. It's scheduled to be finished by the end of November.
