City of Chicago Heights Awarded $250,000 Grant for School Zone Safety Improvements
City of Chicago Heights Awarded $250,000 Grant for School Zone Safety Improvements (Chicago Heights, IL) — The City of Chicago Heights today announced it has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for a comprehensive project to enhance safety for students traveling to and from school.
Recognizing the importance of safe transportation routes for children, the City of Chicago Heights, in partnership with Chicago Heights School District 170, will utilize the funding to install traffic calming devices, clearly marked pedestrian walkways, warning signs, and enhanced signage within the school district’s boundaries.
“The safety of our children is my priority as mayor,” said David Gonzalez, Mayor of Chicago Heights. “This grant will enable us to make significant improvements to the infrastructure surrounding our schools, creating a safer environment for students who walk or bike or even skate to school. We are committed to fostering a culture of active transportation and reducing the number of vehicle accidents near our schools.”
The IDOT award to Chicago Heights is one of 47 similar “Safe Routes to School” projects approved, totaling $9.8 million.
Chicago Heights has experienced a concerning trend of accidents around school zones in recent years. The implementation of traffic calming measures, improved pedestrian infrastructure, and clear signage is expected to significantly mitigate this issue and create a safer environment.
The project will also encourage more students to walk or bike to school, reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle for children. By providing safer routes to school, parents can feel more confident in allowing their children to walk or bike, leading to a decrease in vehicle traffic around schools and a subsequent reduction in the risk of accidents.
“We are grateful to IDOT for their support of this critical project,” said Gonzalez. “These improvements will make a real difference in protecting our children and creating a more welcoming environment for active transportation.”
The City of Chicago Heights and Chicago Heights School District 170 will begin work on the project once the state transportation agency signs off on the final implementation agreement.
City of Chicago Heights Awarded $250,000 Grant for School Zone Safety Improvements
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