Awards
Public Works Project of the Year Award, transportation category, projects that cost $5 million but less than $25 million, 2026
More than a decade ago, city leaders in Peoria, Illinois, began to see the potential advantages of pursuing the two-way conversion of a pair of major downtown roadways. Their vision included not just a different traffic pattern, but safer and more accessible infrastructure for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists and improved access to local businesses.
The city of Peoria two-way conversion of Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue transformed a 70-year-old, one-way-street system into a modern, multimodal transportation corridor that prioritizes safety, accessibility, economic vitality and community connectivity.
Building on the success of Peoria’s 2015 TIGER II Warehouse District Project incorporating the Complete Streets concept, the initiative extended two-way traffic operations along Adams and Jefferson east through downtown to Interstate 74 while modernizing critical traffic signal infrastructure. Complete streets designs often include elements such as shared-use paths; dedicated bicycle lanes; clearly marked bus lanes, shelter islands and accessible boarding areas; median refuge islands for crosswalks; curb extensions; and accessible pedestrian signals. The three primary principles of the complete streets concept encompass:
- slowing traffic to protect drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists rather than increasing the number of vehicles to pass through a corridor
- providing access to all types of users, from older adults to children and people with disabilities
- designing a network based on its surroundings — urban, suburban or rural
The project, assisted by Highway Safety Improvement Program funding, upgraded 12 intersections, replaced one-way pedestal signs with modern mast arm systems and installed two-way signal operations at key state route intersections. The improvements included one travel lane in each direction, a center left-turn lane, on-street parking, dedicated bicycle lanes, pedestrian bump-outs, enhanced crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian signal infrastructure designed to improve safety and accessibility.
The city of Peoria, Hanson, Millennia Professional Services, the Illinois Department of Transportation, local utilities and contractors collaborated to complete the project on schedule, despite challenging urban conditions. The team addressed contaminated soils, underground sidewalk building vaults, utility conflicts and complex traffic transitions while maintaining business and residential access. Extensive stakeholder outreach and public communication minimized disruption throughout construction. The completed project improved safety, mobility, downtown circulation and community access while supporting continued revitalization, economic development and long-term community investment.
