Prospect Road from US Route 150 intersection to Kingman Avenue in Peoria Heights

Prospect Road is the only north-south roadway that runs through the core of the Village and is the most significant roadway under the jurisdiction of the Village of Peoria Heights.​Prospect Road is the primary commercial corridor in the Village of Peoria Heights and is home to the Village’s core downtown area. The 1.1-mile stretch from War Memorial Drive to Kingman Avenue is home to multiple restaurants, retail shops, entertainment venues, the Village’s primary employer, local government facilities, financial institutions and more. Prospect Road acts as a critical connector to community schools, churches, transit service and regional recreational offerings, including the Rock Island Greenway a popular biking/hiking trail, an integral link in a nearly 40-mile-long system. In 2021 the Village approved a Comprehensive Plan which considered various transportation systems. Prospect Road was noted due to its importance as both a transportation and commercial corridor. The Comprehensive Plan recommended use of Complete Streets policies, integration of active transportation systems, streetscape improvements and connections to the Rock Island Greenway as priorities for Prospect Road As a result of the Comprehensive Plan the Village initiated a Prospect Road Streetscape Master Plan in 2021. In 2022, the Village applied for Community Project Funding (CPF) for Preliminary Engineering through a congressional appropriation. An announcement was made by Congressman Darrin LaHood for $2,000,000 in funding through the CPF program matched with $500,000 from Village of Peoria Heights for total funding of $2,500,000. Prospect Road is the only north-south roadway that runs through the core of the Village and is the most significant roadway under the jurisdiction of the Village of Peoria Heights. As such, Prospect Road is considered the backbone of motorized and non-motorized surface transportation though the area. The pavement structure is classified in poor condition and will require substantial maintenance and /or reconstruction in the near future. The existing roadway consists of 4 traffic lanes with a bi-directional turn lane. Parking lanes exist on the east side from Marietta Avenue to Kelly Avenue and on both sides north from Kelly Avenue to Kingman Avenue. The roadway does not respond to modern transportation needs of the community including active transportation systems, accessibility, safety, connections, transit amenities and the context of the surrounding land use. The proposed project envisions reconstruction, or major rehabilitation, that will transform Prospect Road into a modern transportation corridor consistent with the context of the surrounding land uses. The proposed improvements will provide users of all ages and abilities greater access to motorized and non-motorized transportation for work, school, shopping, and recreational activities throughout the region. In conformance with the approved Comprehensive Plan, the roadway will comply with state and federal Complete Streets policies, which ensure that the roadway is designed with an eye toward safety, convenience, comfort, and accessibility for all members of the community, regardless of their mode of transportation. This project will be designed and constructed to promote a healthy environment and sustainable transportation alternatives while promoting active commercial activity. ADA accessibility will be provided in conformance with the Public Right of Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). This project will be guided by the results of the Village of Peoria Heights Active Transportation Plan as well as the Comprehensive Plan, the Prospect Road Streetscape Master Plan, the Heart of Illinois Regional Sustainability Plan, and the Statewide Active Transportation Plan. Public transportation is provided by the Greater Peoria Mass Transit District (GPMTD), with Prospect Road being Route #12, the “Heights” route. The current roadway lacks facilities to support the transit operations. The addition of bus stops and other transit amenities will increase convenience, safety, and access for all users. Underground public infrastructure includes water main, sanitary and storm sewer. These facilities may need repair or complete replacement in conjunction with the roadway improvements. An assessment of the water infrastructure is currently underway. The Prospect Road project will provide the public infrastructure necessary to support economic development along the corridor.