Illinois is set to receive $52.8 million in federal funding to modernize roughly six miles of Illinois Route 9, but a proposed sidewalk addition near Bloomington High School has sparked concern among nearby residents who argue the plan could create new safety risks and significantly alter their properties.
The Illinois Department of Transportation project includes roadway resurfacing, drainage improvements, and pedestrian upgrades along Route 9 through Bloomington. While much of the overhaul has drawn little public controversy, homeowners along Empire Street say they were caught off guard by plans to install a sidewalk on the residential side of the roadway.
Residents note that a sidewalk already exists on the south side of Route 9, directly adjacent to Bloomington High School. Longtime homeowner Sharon Trowitch warned that adding a second sidewalk across the street could unintentionally encourage students to cross a busy state highway without a stoplight or stop sign.
“There is already a sidewalk on the school side,” Trowitch said. “Adding one on the residential side creates what could become an attractive nuisance, encouraging students to cross in an unsafe location.”
Another homeowner, Craig Gates, said he has lived on Empire Street for 45 years and sees no clear need for a sidewalk on the north side. He pointed out that there are no businesses or major destinations on the residential side and that pedestrians already use the existing school-side walkway.
Gates also expressed concerns about the physical impact of construction. According to him, installing the sidewalk could require tree removal, retaining walls, utility relocations, and grading changes that would significantly alter front yards.
“The terrain isn’t level like it is near the high school,” Gates said. “Some retaining walls could be higher than knee height, and sidewalks placed close to the curb could introduce new safety concerns.”
Residents also criticized what they described as limited communication from state officials. Trowitch said homeowners struggled to identify a contact person for the project and only recently learned the city had requested the sidewalk as part of Bloomington’s sidewalk master plan and school route designation.
City Manager Jeff Jurgens acknowledged the concerns and said city officials would discuss the issue with affected residents. However, he cautioned that adjustments may be limited as the project advances toward the bidding phase.
Homeowners say they are not opposed to infrastructure improvements but want greater input before permanent changes are made to their properties.
