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Forty-six different bicycle-pedestrian routes have been identified for the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area as illustrated on Figure 4. These include the three segments of Constitution Trail which now exist, plus forty-three segments that are partially developed or desired for development over the course of the approximately twenty year planning period. It is recognized that all identified routes may not be developed during this time frame. However, the plan is intended to serve as an important guide for route development as resources become available.

The future bicycle-pedestrian routes discussed in this chapter are presented by geographic area. The Bloomington-Normal study area was divided into four quadrants. Each quadrant is discussed in the following pages with references made to the maps which accompany this text. Figure 4 illustrates the future routes which have been identified for the entire metro area.

NORTHWEST METRO AREA

The Northwest Metro Area (See Figure 5.) has many important origins and destinations most of which with the exception of Illinois State University currently have little to no accommodations for non-motorized travelers. Included in this sub-area are ten proposed routes. Five of these are primary routes and five are connector routes. Each is described below.

124. Mitsubishi Motorway North

A future primary bicycle-pedestrian route is identified along this roadway from Raab Road in northwest Normal to Route 9. The primary function of this route will be to provide access to Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America and to rural portions of the County. Important route connections include the Conrail Branch of the Constitution Trail (#137), and the College Avenue West (#126), and Raab Road (#129) route. The utilitarian potential for travel on this route is great due to the access that would be provided to a major employer and to the potential connections from the north, east, south, and west. The existing Mitsubishi Motorway currently has wide, paved shoulders that could be converted to a bicycle lane.

126. College Avenue West

The College Avenue West route would extend from Parkside Road to Mitsubishi Motorway. This segment has significant potential for utilitarian use by offering access to Mitsubishi Manufacturing of America to the west and Maxwell Park at its eastern most extension. While a highly desired connector route, this route's implementation is complicated by high traffic volumes and limited right-of-way available to accommodate non-motorized travel. Consideration should therefore be given to development of an on road facility.

127. Parkside Road

Parkside Road is an important potential connector route that could connect Raab Road (#129) with College Avenue West (#126) and Gregory Avenue route (#128). This would allow users to access the Illinois State University Golf Course as well as Maxwell Park. Furthermore, this could be an important linkage to proposed residential development and to the proposed site for the new Heartland Community College campus.

The route would likely be built as an off road trail. It would run parallel to the main east-west collector built through what is currently proposed as a residential area.

129. Raab Road West

Raab Road West would be a four mile primary segment providing access to the proposed Heartland Community College campus site and Mitsubishi Motors Manufacturing of America. This segment would extend from the Main Branch of the Constitution Trail (#130) to the Mitsubishi Motorway North trail (#124) This route would also provide access to popular rural routes.

This route could be developed in conjunction with the upgrade of Raab Road to urban standards as identified in the Long Range Transportation Plan. With the probability of high traffic volumes along Raab Road in the future this trail should be developed off road, but within the right of way if possible.

130. Constitution Trail Central Branch

The Central Branch of the Constitution Trail is an existing primary facility which would form the spine of the proposed system. It has recently been extended and now stretches south from Kerrick Road in north Normal to Washington Street in Bloomington. As mentioned earlier in this report, the initial portion of this right-of-way was acquired from the Illinois Gulf Railroad in 1986. It serves the heart of the metropolitan area and has been the basis of the region's trail system. Among the many amenities located along this segment of trail is the Hugh Atwood Wayside, Children's Discovery Museum, and the Historic Camelback Bridge (See Figure 3).

102. Illinois State University

The Bloomington-Normal Bicycle-Pedestrian Plan identifies a connector route throughout the campus of Illinois State University. The Illinois State University route would encompass the portion of campus surrounded by University Street, Beaufort Avenue, School Street, and College Avenue. This route would also connect to the Constitution Trail Main Branch (#131) to the east and extend to the northwest connecting University recreational facilities as well as the University High School.

The Illinois State University route would compliment the existing pedestrian oriented design of the campus. This route would provide students and other citizens access to many of the University's facilities such as the Bone Student Center, Milner Library, Redbird Arena, and the Quad. It could also be accessed from University residence halls including the Watterson Towers whose many students do not have easy access to automobiles. In addition, routes connecting with the Constitution Trail (#131), would also connect with other routes including the Sugar Creek Tributaries (#106), Gregory Avenue (#128) and Raab Road (#129). The Illinois State University Route would also provide connections to numerous bus routes and to the Amtrak railroad station by way of the Constitution Trail.

Stretching from College Avenue to Locust Street, the White Oak Road connector route would provide access to desired recreational facilities such as White Oak Park. In addition, it would also connect residents of west Bloomington and users of the Sugar Creek trail to Mitsubishi Manufacturing of America and other proposed non-residential growth via College Avenue.

The development of this route will need to overcome some significant obstacles. White Oak Road is a heavily traveled two lane facility not well suited for on road trail development. Right of way space is also limited. Therefore, careful study will be required to determine appropriate development strategies.

128. Gregory Avenue

The Gregory Avenue route would connect the ISU route (#102) to the College Avenue West and Parkside Road (#127) routes. This connection would provide students and other users of the ISU route an opportunity to access residential neighborhoods west of the University.

This route would probably be built as an off road trail along the north side of Gregory Avenue. The limited right of way along this stretch of road would not provide sufficient space for an on road bicycle lane.

131. ICG Railroad Right of Way North

This connector route would extend the Constitution Trail from its existing terminus at Kerrick Road northward into the county. It would connect to two major rural destinations, Comlara Park and the Lake Bloomington area.

The greatest challenge to the development of this segment would be the acquisition of land, since most of the right-of-way has been lost. Currently, the County and Town of Normal are in continuing negotiations to acquire the necessary right-of-way to implement this off road trail.

The Conrail Northwest route would extend west of Route 9 for approximately two miles into McLean County. This connector route would provide a safe alternative for many users who currently ride 1450 N northwestward towards Danvers for recreational purposes. It could also lead to the development of a regional trail connecting Bloomington-Normal to the City of Peoria. The fact that all of the former railroad right of way is currently under private ownership provides a major obstacle to the development of this route.

NORTHEAST METRO AREA

The Northeast quadrant of the metro area (See Figure 6.) is the location of significant existing and proposed residential development. Other important origins and destinations that currently exist in this area are the Eureka plant, College Hills Mall, and a number of elementary schools as well as a proposed high school and elementary school site. In all, fourteen routes are planned for this area. Four of these are primary and ten are connector routes.

A primary route is identified along the western edge of Hedgewood Subdivision. This route, which would follow Oakwood Drive, is tentatively planned for fiscal year 1999-2000. This route would connect with the East College Avenue route (#109), the East Hedgewood Subdivision route (#110) and the Constitution Trail (#141) to complete a loop around the Hedgewood Subdivision. This route would most likely be developed off-road due to right-of-way restrictions.

This potential connector route would connect the East branch of the Constitution Trail with Clearwater Park. It would also provide access between employment sources on either side of the route and residential areas, including high density residential development. The route would be off road. From Clearwater park the route would extend eastward along Clearwater Avenue to connect with another proposed park to be located east of Airport Road. This segment may be appropriate for integration within the sidewalk system.

112. Towanda-Barnes Road

A future primary route is identified along Towanda-Barnes Road from the Constitution Trail at G.E. Road to the potential Ireland Grove/Hamilton Road routes (#113). This north-south route would be at the eastern edge of the metropolitan area and would provide access to rural roads that advanced cyclists could use for travel into the county. This route would also be appealing to both utilitarian and recreational users due to the connections to other primary routes that extend throughout the City of Bloomington and the Town of Normal.

Acquisition of right-of-way for this route would coincide with the acquisition of land for improvement to Towanda-Barnes Road. The route would be an off-road facility. Funding for development of this route should be given priority over other potential routes along Towanda-Barnes Road to the north (#145) and to the south (#146).

141. Constitution Trail

Route #141 is the east-west segment of the original Constitution Trail which connects to the Main Branch near Underwood Park. Among its many facilities is a host of natural prairie sites including the Audubon Garden. In addition to this primary multi-use trail provides access to the Colene Hoose School and G.E. Road, and passes only a short distance from the College Hills Mall. Identified future connections to Eastport Road (#111) and the Sugar Creek Tributaries (#106) would enhance circulation and help relieve sporadic congestion on this popular trail.

101. North Normal

This route would provide an important connection between the Constitution Trail Main Branch (#130) and the potential Route 66 Northeast route (#132). The North Normal route would extend through an area of proposed residential development and provide access to the existing Constitution Trail (#130), the potential Towanda Avenue route (#105) and Martin Luther King Park located north of College Avenue and east of Towanda Avenue. This connector route would probably be off road, but parallel to streets.

103. Northtown Road

A potential connector route is identified along Northtown Road from the Constitution Trail Main Branch to Towanda Avenue. This route would primarily serve residents of the Ironwood Subdivision and would allow access to the Constitution Trail and Towanda Avenue. This route would most likely be off road due to right of way limitations along Northtown Road.

104. Carriage Hills/Pinehurst

The Carriage Hills/Pinehurst route would extend from the Main Branch of the Constitution Trail eastward to the eastern terminus of Phaeton Place where it would then branch south to Pine Street. A branch would also extend northward to connect with the North Normal Route (#101). The southern branch is an important linkage that would allow users of the Constitution Trail to access a neighborhood commercial district. Accessibility to shopping facilities add to the appeal of this potential route. The east branch also enables a large area of residential development to access the Constitution Trail, neighborhood commercial development, and the potential Towanda Avenue Route. This connector route would likely be built off-road, within easements or as part of the sidewalk system.

105. Towanda Avenue

A future route is identified along Towanda Avenue from Northtown Road to Shelbourne Drive. This connector route would provide a north-south linkage for citizens living in north-central Normal to the Constitution Trail and other potential routes.

With high volumes of vehicular traffic on this arterial street, an off road bicycle-pedestrian route would be desirable. However, with limited right-of-way acquisition and development will be challenging.

107. Northeast Normal

The Northeast Normal route would extend from near the intersection of Taft Drive and Greenbriar Drive at the north end of the Sugar Creek Tributaries (#106) to the intersection of rural routes 1700 N and 1800 E. near the site of the proposed Unit 5 high school. This connector route would allow residents to access the proposed high school and the potential routes of the Sugar Creek Tributaries which will traverse to the south and southwest. It would also provide connections to routes extending throughout the greater metropolitan area. The Northeast Normal Route would probably be developed as an off-road facility that could possibly be integrated with the sidewalk system of this proposed residential area.

109. East College Avenue
110. East Hedgewood Subdivision

These two routes would connect with the existing east branch of the Constitution Trail (#141) and the West Hedgewood Subdivision route(#108) to form a loop around the Hedgewood Subdivision. Route #109 would follow College Avenue, which already meets the criteria of a bicycle compatible roadway. Route #110 would complete this loop. Due to right of way restrictions these two routes would most likely be off road, utilizing a series of easements and possibly some sidewalk areas to make the connections.

A connector route is identified along Historic Route 66 from Shelbourne Drive to the Village of Towanda where it would connect with the Towanda-Barnes Road North route (#145). An opportunity to bicycle or walk along this legendary highway should draw numerous users. The route would be developed as an off-road facility, since no major hurdles to acquisition or development are foreseen and much of the abandoned roadway remains.

This route would serve as a connector between the east branch of the Constitution Trail (#141) and the proposed park located east of Airport Road. It would also connect with the potential Eastport route (#111). The East Bloomington route would most likely be built as an off road trail, since this area is currently undeveloped.

A connector route is identified along Towanda-Barnes Road from the Village of Towanda extending to the south until it connects with the Towanda-Barnes Central route (#112) at G.E. Road.

Acquisition of right-of-way for this route would coincide with the acquisition of land for improvements to Towanda-Barnes Road. Further study will be needed to determine the appropriate alignment of this facility.

The Southwest quadrant of the metro area (See Figure 7) is the location of significant proposed residential development. Other important origins and destinations that currently exist in this area are the Nestle-Beich plant, Miller Park, and a number of elementary schools as well as several golf courses and smaller parks. The plan provides for eleven routes to serve this area, six of which are identified as primary routes and five as connectors.

The two primary routes that follow the Sugar Creek Tributaries would be located on Water Reclamation District property along east-west alignments. These two would be separate routes on the eastern portions and combine to form a single merged route on the western portion. Both would serve to connect residential areas as well as Ewing Park to the system of bicycle-pedestrian routes. It is anticipated that these routes would be off road and make use of Water Reclamation District property.

This connector route would be a southern extension of the Constitution Trail Main Branch (#130). It would extend the Trail from Washington Street to Lafayette Street where it would connect with the Miller Park route (#143). The primary benefits to users of this extension would be to provide access to southwest Bloomington and to relieve congestion on the Main Branch.

A connector route along Bunn Street to the Conrail Branch of the Constitution Trail (#138) and the Hamilton Road route (#114) is also identified. The availability of land will allow this route to be developed as an off road trail when the appropriate funding has been acquired.

123. Mitsubishi Motorway South

A future primary route is identified for the southern portion of Mitsubishi Motorway from Route 9 to its intersection with Route 66. This segment would also connect with the Southwest Bloomington route (#122) and the Fox Creek Road route (#114). These routes in combination would serve the residential and non-residential development that is expected to occur in Southwest Bloomington. The construction of the Mitsubishi Motorway South Route would coincide with the development of the Mitsubishi Motorway extension. Like Mitsubishi Motorway North, available right-of-way should provide for the construction of safe on road lanes that are four to five feet in width.

138. Constitution Trail Conrail Branch

The Conrail Branch of the Constitution Trail is currently funded and should be completed by 1998. The trail is designated as a primary route that originates at Bunn Street and runs northwest to Route 9. Several other routes are planned to connect to this portion of the trail. These branches will provide access to such destinations as Miller Park, Southwest Bloomington and Bloomington's central business district.

This primary route would provide a direct link from the center of Bloomington to the southwest portion of the city. Users would also be able to ride through Miller Park as well as connect to the Conrail route (#138) and the potential Lincoln Street (#119) and Hamilton/Fox Creek Road (#114) routes. The route will pass through several wooded areas in the Miller Park area. Due to its location in a natural park setting, this facility would likely be built off road.

This potential connector route originates at the Hamilton/Fox Creek Road route (#114) and follows Morris Avenue into the county. The northern portion would provide access to the Prairie Vista Golf Course in addition to serving a relatively large section of proposed residential development. Due to safety concerns as a result of the narrow right-of-way, this route would be developed off-road.

A bicycle-pedestrian route is identified along Historic Route 66 in the southwest portion of the metro area. This route would extend from the Fox Creek Road route (#114) into rural McLean County. A connection could also be made with the proposed Mitsubishi Motorway South route (#123). Available right-of-way readily provides for the development of an off road trail. It also will provide safe access to nature areas along Historic Route 66.

122. Southwest Bloomington

The Southwest Bloomington system of connector routes would essentially serve this quadrant of the metro area from Illinois Route 9 southward and from Interstate 55 westward. In addition to connecting with the Sugar Creek Tributaries (#106), it would also offer potential connections with the Fox Creek Golf Course and the Mitsubishi Motorway South route (#123). Potential for implementation as off road facilities is favorable due to the early stages of planned residential development in this area. Development of portions within rights-of-way will most likely be in conjunction with proposed major roadway improvements.

136. ICG Railroad Right-of-Way South

This route would follow the ICG railroad right-of-way from the Hamilton Road route (#114) southward into McLean County. This connector trail could conceivably be the first link in a regional trail that connects to the City of Decatur metro area. It would be developed as an off road trail following the old railroad right-of-way. Unfortunately, much of the right-of-way has been lost, thus severely limiting this route's implementation potential.

142. Locust Street

This route would be the connecting link between the potential Washington Street and White Oak Road routes. It would also provide users access to O'Neil and White Oak Parks. Due to right-of-way constraints this route may need to be placed on road.

SOUTHEAST METRO AREA

The Southeast quadrant of the metro area (See Figure 8.) contains significant employment centers, including the State Farm Campus as well as an established residential neighborhood. Other important origins and destinations that currently exist in this area are the Four Seasons Health Club, Eastland Mall, and the Central Illinois Regional Airport. Eleven routes are identified in this quadrant, four of which are primary and seven are connector routes.

114. Hamilton/Fox Creek Road

The Hamilton/Fox Creek Road route will extend from the State Farm South Campus west to the potential Miller Park route (#143). This primary route would provide the main east-west bicycle-pedestrian thoroughfare south of Veteran's Parkway. Segments of this route have already been built as off road trails. The remaining portions are expected to be off road as well, since enough right-of-way exists to allow for separation of trail and road.

119. Lincoln Street

The Lincoln Street Route would provide east-west connections to several existing and potential routes, including Streid Drive, Hershey Road, and the Constitution Trail. Lincoln Street is already heavily traveled by bicyclists and a route designation would provide safer travel for users.

The lack of available right-of-way outside of existing pavement suggests that this route would need to be placed on road.

140. Ewing Park/Eastland Mall

Ewing Park and Eastland Mall are major destinations for many people living in the Bloomington-Normal community. This route would connect these destinations with the Constitution Trail (#141) and Washington/Front Street route (#139). This connector route would likely be built off road utilizing the existing sidewalk system that follows Emerson Street and Fairway Drive.

144. Streid Drive

This route provides a connection between an existing section of the Constitution Trail and the potential Ireland Grove/Hamilton Road route. It would allow users to access the Towanda-Barnes South (#146) route or to travel west and possibly access a route that extends to Southwest Bloomington. This facility would most likely be developed as an off road trail due to the likely availability of right of way in this area.

113. Ireland Grove/Hamilton Road East Extension

A connection to the potential Towanda-Barnes Road South route would be provided by this future extension. It would also connect to the future Streid Drive route (#144) to provide access to residential neighborhoods in southeast Bloomington. The Ireland Grove Road-Hamilton Road East Extension route (#113) would probably be developed as an off road facility, since there are no apparent complications that would require placement on road.

115. Conrail Southeast

This connector route would follow the railroad right-of-way that extends to the southeast through Downs and LeRoy. It would provide access to destinations such as the State Farm Campus as well as Constitution Trail. This facility would be developed within the railroad right-of-way as an off road trail.

120. Hershey Road

The Hershey Road Route would provide a much needed north-south connector route for bicyclists on the east side of Veteran's Parkway. It could provide an opportunity for safe travel from its southern terminus at Lincoln Street north to the Eastport Route (#111) which would connect it to G. E. Road.

However, heavy traffic on Hershey Road will require that the route be developed as an off road facility, probably by widening the existing sidewalk system along Hershey Road.

134. Cheney's Grove Road

Cheney's Grove Road extends southeast from Towanda-Barnes Road. A route along this road would potentially provide the metro area with a bicycle-pedestrian connection to Moraine View State Park and other rural areas to the east of the metro area. Like many rural roads, Cheney's Grove Road is quite narrow and has limited right-of-way. Therefore, careful study would be required to identify a specific course of action for this route.

135. Long Lane

The Long Lane Route has been identified as an option for connecting the metro area to the southern portion of McLean County. This route would extend south from the Southeast Conrail Route (#115) to connect to rural routes in the County. Travel on rural roads is considered by many to be unsafe due to the narrow nature of the roads as well as sight distance problems. As a result, careful study would be required here too in order to determine appropriate development and usage as funding is available.

139. Washington/ Front Street

This connector route would provide a linkage from downtown Bloomington to the eastside business corridor along Veteran's Parkway. East of the Constitution Trail, the trail would travel along Washington Street where it would provide access to Eastland Mall as well as St. Joseph's Hospital and the State Farm North Campus. West of the Constitution Trail, the route will follow Front Street until it reaches the Conrail route (#138) which will provide access to Downtown Bloomington. The type and alignment of this route will require careful study due to the large traffic volumes on Washington Street and the limited right-of-way.

146. Towanda-Barnes Road South

A connector route is identified along Towanda-Barnes Road from Ireland Grove/Hamilton Road route (#113) extending to the south until it reaches its terminus at the Village of Downs. This route would provide access to the potential Cheney's Grove Road route (#134) that extends into the county.

Acquisition of right-of-way for this route would coincide with the acquisition of land for improvements to Towanda-Barnes Road. Further study will be required to determine the appropriate alignment of this facility.