NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Breaks Ground for the Third Phase of Outer Belt West Project
Release date: 4/21/09
An alternative route designed to alleviate traffic congestion for motorists traveling from the north side of the city to the south sides of the city became one step closer to becoming a reality today, as city officials broke ground for the third phase of the Outer Belt West project.
City administrators, city officials, state officials and local residents stood along a small dirt path just south of Fayette Avenue to break ground for the third phase of the project that will connect the roadway to U.S. 40.
The third phase of the project, which will cost $4.8 million, connects the southern part of the second phase of Outer Belt West to U.S. 40, creating a route that links Evergreen Avenue to Fayette Avenue and now to U.S. 40. The addition will not only create an alternate for motorists, but it also will provide much needed access to the new Fed Ex Freight facility.
The project includes a site wall, 3,600 feet of pavement, combination sidewalks, storm sewers and water mains. Funding for the project is through EDA Federal Participation, Illinois Department of Transportation EDP funds, Illinois Department of Transportation TARP funds, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity CDAP funds, and local Tax Increment Finance funds.
Mayor John Lange recognized the significance of this project during the groundbreaking ceremony and acknowledged this project has been a long time in the making.
“Years ago, city fathers realized the traffic issues on Keller Drive. In an attempt to help that situation, the idea of Outer Belt West was created,” said the mayor. “It has been in the planning stages since 1959, when Paul Taylor and Llami Keller were respective mayors.”
“I want to thank the City’s engineering teams, both past and present, for all their hard work on this project. I also thank the current City commissioners and the former City Councilmen for their visionary example and leadership,” added Lange.
In 2004, the city completed the first section of the roadway, which connects West Evergreen Avenue to Mid America Avenue on the north side of the city. The second phase of the project is expected open this spring, and the third is expected to be complete in two years. Planning continues for the fourth phase of the project that will connect the most northern section of Outer Belt West to Ford Avenue, but a completion date has not been announced at this time.
The roadway also will provide economic development opportunities in the city by opening several acres of land for development.
“My hope is that the completion of Outer Belt West will propel the business community of the City of Effingham into prosperity and will serve as an economic development tool for better things to come,” said Mayor Lange.
Businesses that are currently located on the Outer Belt West are Firefly Grill, Interstate Truck Repair, and The Rosebud Theatre.
The City of Effingham held a groundbreaking ceremony for the third phase of Outer Belt West, which will connect the existing roadway to U.S. 40. From left are: Bryan Kieffer, Kieffer Brothers Construction Company; Chuck Grunloh, Milano & Grunloh Engineers; Steve Miller, city engineer; Commissioner Larry Micenheimer; Mayor John Lange; Charlie Slavens, Illinois Department of Transportation; and Scott Riches, Fed Ex Freight.