EFFINGHAM — Getting onto Interstate 57/70 from West Fayette Avenue in Effingham can be confusing, with few stoplights to help direct motorists and a road in desperate need of repairs from heavy semi-truck traffic.

    The Effingham City Council voted Tuesday at its regular board meeting to take the first steps in reconstructing the street that connects Outer Belt West to the intersection of Fayette Avenue and Illini Drive near Culver’s restaurant.

    The interstate’s on and off ramps will be diamond shaped, eliminating the single cloverleaf west bound ramp, and taking out the lengthy curves in the other three ramps. When motorists get off or on the interstate on Fayette Avenue, they will have to go through stop lights at each ramp.

    The total estimated cost for the project is about $20 million. The city’s portion totals about $26,000, while the state is paying about $3.5 million, and federal funds are covering about $16 million. The city’s portion will be taken from the tax increment financing general account.

    “The city fared well here I believe. Very well. The amount is a lot less than anticipated,” said Steve Miller, the city’s public works director.

    The engineer’s drawing for the project includes a separate multiuse path that will tie into the path on the overpass near the interchange on both the east and west sides on Fayette Avenue.

    The separate path will run parallel with the eastbound ramp, run east along the interstate, and cross over the interstate on a separate road. Miller couldn’t clarify what future road the path will intersect with, but it will set over the interstate between the Fayette Avenue overpass and Keller Drive overpass. 

    From there, the path will run west, parallel to the interstate and the off ramp, and tie back into the path on Fayette Avenue. The path will run parallel, but will be clear of interstate traffic.

    Miller wanted to point out the extra multiuse path wasn’t covered in the current contract since it is considered a separate project. The state is footing the estimated $2,500 for construction of the extra path that is supposed to connect with other future bike paths in the city.

    When the separate path is constructed along the northwest quadrant of the interstate, the city must purchase land for the right of way.

    The council also passed an ordinance for the project regulating encroachment on right of way, not allowing any signs or fences in the way of the project.

    In other news, the board:

    • Amended the designating depositories ordinance to include City Clerk Kelsey Hamilton and Interim City Administrator Rick Goeckner authorizing them to sign checks and orders of payment and deliver and deposit monies, and naming First Mid Illinois Bank and Trust, Crossroads Bank, Midland State Bank, Fifth Third Bank, First National Bank of Dieterich, National Bank, Prairie National Bank and Washington Savings Bank as designated depositories.

    • Released two easements in the Aspen Creek Subdivision for the purposes of Aspen Creek’s additional 12-unit building.

    • Rezoned 102 South Veterans Drive from NU, nonurban, to R-3C, multiple dwelling district, for the purposes of constructing an expansion of the Aspen Creek assisted living facility.

    • Rezoned 1404 Hickory Hills Drive from R-2, single family residence, to R-4, limited office and retail district for the purposes of moving a real estate office into the unoccupied single-family home.

    • Granted permission to allow a portion of North Fourth Street from East Jefferson Avenue to East Washington Avenue to be temporarily closed and granted permission to use the public parking lots north of the Effingham County jail and north of the government building Saturday, Sept. 25, from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Effingham County Old Settlers Reunion.

    • Granted permission to Effingham High School to have an Effingham High School Homecoming parade Oct. 6 and to temporarily close U.S. 40 (Henrietta Street) at Grove Avenue and Fayette Avenue at Cherry Street and U.S. 45 (Third Street) at Jefferson Avenue from 6 to 7 p.m.

    • Granted permission to allow a portion of Washington Avenue between Fourth Street and Banker Street to be temporarily closed Sunday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for the American Legion Legacy Run.

    • Authorized project execution with Milano & Grunloh Engineers for the Temple Avenue sanitary sewer lining and the Kralman force main replacement at a cost not to exceed $28,000 to come from the sewer department.

    • Approved preliminary and final plats for recording and replatted lots five and six of Alexander & Little’s north addition to Broughton.

    • Approved the preliminary and final plat for recording and replatted lot one of Aspen Creek Subdivision.

    • Transferred $50,000 from the tax increment financing account No. 1 to the industrial TIF account No. 5 for various projects located within the industrial area TIF district.

    • Discussed using Bodine Electric of Decatur to maintain the city’s traffic control devices. A resolution will be presented to the council for approval.

    • Approved payment to Effingham Asphalt for about $3,000 for various projects within the water department.

    • Approved payment to SDS Solutions for all city hall computer software and hardware maintenance for about $3,000.

    • Discussed releasing easements and granting a permit or lease to allow a memorial to be constructed on the old county courthouse lawn. The city’s portion of land is about 66 feet, and a formal resolution will be presented to the council for approval.

    • Approved payment for about $14,000 to Kiefer Brothers Construction to install two construction joints on the section of Outer Belt West from Fayette Avenue to Evergreen Avenue.

    Samantha Newburn may be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or samantha.newburn@effinghamdailynews.com.