Transportation

Hearing on redistricting in Illinois is May 30

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Wednesday, May 22nd, 2013, 3:44pm

Hearing on redistricting in Illinois is May 30

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a public hearing next week to discuss legislative redistricting in Illinois.

The hearing is May 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Carbondale Civic Center, 200 S. Illinois Ave.

Ryan Blitstein, president of “CHANGE Illinois!,” will outline a proposed constitutional amendment and hear ideas and suggestions from the public about the group’s proposal to create a citizens commission to do redistricting. Under current law, state lawmakers draw their own district lines.

Recently, the group launched a drive to finalize the text of an amendment before starting a petition drive asking voters to put it on the November 2014 ballot. Blitstein is touring the state explaining the plan and collecting reactions and suggestions.

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IDOT announces repairs to IL 15 in Mt. Vernon

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013, 2:25pm

IDOT announces repairs to IL 15 in Mt. Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced Tuesday, May 14 that a Norfolk Southern Railroad Crew will begin repairs on Wednesday, May 22 to both eastbound IL 15 (Broadway St.) and westbound IL 15 (Main St.) Railroad Crossings on the east side of Mt. Vernon at 5th Street.

Drivers should follow marked detour routes. No traffic will be permitted through the construction area while workers are present. Repairs are expected to take two days. These routes will be open during the overnight hours.

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Motorcycle Awareness campaign launched for Motorcycle Awareness Month in May

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, May 2nd, 2013, 3:34pm

Motorcycle Awareness campaign launched for Motorcycle Awareness Month in May

(KFVS) - For the 30th year, May has been proclaimed Motorcycle Awareness Month in Illinois as part of a statewide campaign to reduce motorcycle crash fatalities and injuries.

Governor Pat Quinn, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education joined in support of campaigns to urge Illinois motorists to "Start Seeing Motorcycles" and "Look Twice - Save a Life." The safety coalition urged all drivers to share the road and recognized volunteers who participate in the annual Windshield Washing Project to raise awareness.

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IDOT announces launch of website for Illinois Bike Transportation Plan

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Thursday, April 25th, 2013, 2:59pm

IDOT announces launch of website for Illinois Bike Transportation Plan

(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Transportation is pleased to announce the launch of an online web portal for the Illinois Bike Transportation Plan.

You can click here to visit the site.

It provides a comprehensive overview of the plan and offers the public several opportunities to submit feedback, track plan progression and collaborate with IDOT.

During the coming months, the site will be populated with additional resources and updated outreach information via the Timeline tool. The site will also host an interactive public engagement tool that will allow the public to submit bicycle policy and route recommendations. Finally, the site will provide helpful links to the public and instructions on ordering free Illinois bike maps.

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6-year transportation projects announced for southern Illinois

Submitted by Christy Hendricks

Wednesday, April 17th, 2013, 4:20pm

6-year transportation projects announced for southern Illinois

MT. VERNON, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn and Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann L. Schneider unveiled a six-year, $12.62 billion construction program that will improve roads and bridges throughout Illinois while making major investments in public transportation.

Projects in southern Illinois include:

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Gov. Quinn kicks off Work Zone Awareness Week

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, April 16th, 2013, 3:03pm

Gov. Quinn kicks off Work Zone Awareness Week

(KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn kicked off Work Zone Awareness Week on Tuesday.

Work Zone Awareness Week is a campaign to get people to slow down and drive safely in highway work zones. The effort is part of the governor's agenda to ensure the safety of all people in every community across Illinois.

The event on Tuesday was held at the site of a $93 million construction project at the I-74 and I-155 interchange in Morton, one of the largest road projects under Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program.

"As we embark on the largest early-season construction program ever, everyone must remember that safety in work zones saves lives," Governor Quinn said. "By slowing down, staying off the phone and moving over for workers, we can reduce the number and severity of work zone crashes."

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Man dies after car overturns, catches on fire on IL Hwy. 148

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Web Producer

Tuesday, April 9th, 2013, 3:40pm

Man dies after car overturns, catches on fire on IL Hwy. 148

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office says a 30-year-old man has died after a car overturned and caught on fire on IL Highway 148 north of I-57.

Around 5:49 a.m. the sheriff's office received a telephone call reporting a vehicle on fire on IL Hwy. 148 north of I-57. When they arrived, the vehicle was reported to have been overturned and fully engulfed in flames.

Shawn W. Willard was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:23 a.m. Tuesday morning.

According to the sheriff's office, initial reports say a deer found at the scene was a possible contributing factor to the wreck. It is still under investigation by the sheriff's office.

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