Lincoln Highway in DeKalb to undergo resurfacing, ADA-compliant sidewalk work this year

DEKALB – A portion of Lincoln Highway is set to undergo some major resurfacing in DeKalb this year as part of the city’s plans to reconfigure the downtown strip to encourage more pedestrian traffic.

The resurfacing is separate from additional downtown reconfiguration plans the City of DeKalb has put forth, according to city documents. The Route 38 reconfiguration will include resurfacing and installation of sidewalk work which will be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The resurfacing and ADA compliance sidewalk work is expected to be largely funded through state money through the Illinois Department of Transportation, according to city documents.

“The city will benefit as will other communities in northern Illinois from repaving project which the state of Illinois is covering almost entirely out of its own funds,” City Manager Bill Nicklas said during Monday’s DeKalb City Council meeting.

The council approved the intergovernmental agreement with the state transportation department unanimously Monday. Ward 3 Alderman Tracy Smith was absent from the meeting.

Other Route 38 reconfiguration plans the city has approved for downtown include installation of bike paths on Grove Street between First and Fourth Street. Plans also are underway to make Lincoln Highway a three-lane road with a center turn lane instead of the current four lanes in those four blocks in the downtown area.

The Route 38 resurfacing and ADA work is expected to be completed this year.

“It is customary for municipalities to participate in such ADA work because of the positive impact on local pedestrian movements,” Nicklas said. “And the city’s share in this case is less than $12,000.”