ALTON, Ill. (WICS) — Assemblywoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that the City of Alton will receive a $215,152 federal grant from the Department of Transportation to implement pedestrian safety improvements.

The award is funded by the bipartisan infrastructure bill – which was signed into law three years ago today – and will support Alton’s ongoing commitment to building a safer, more walkable downtown.

“Safer streets mean a more connected community and today we are helping to make that a reality for Alton residents,” said Assemblywoman Nikki Budzinski. “On its third anniversary, historic bipartisan infrastructure law continues to deliver results for central and southern Illinois, with more than $215,000 for Alton to make its downtown safer and more accessible on foot. I am excited to see this project come to fruition and continue working to secure investments in critical infrastructure for the people I serve in Alton and throughout the 13th District.

Alton will use this Safe Streets and Roads for All grant to drive changes that improve pedestrian safety and mitigate dangerous crashes by reducing pedestrian crossing distances, improving visibility, making turns safer, and reducing vehicle speed.

The pilot program will explore reducing the number of traffic lanes on Piasa Street from four to three, with a safety buffer zone on each side. Improving pedestrian safety will be the focus of three intersections along the corridor.