MATTOON — Public input is being sought on efforts to enhance transportation services in Coles County and traffic safety in Mattoon.
Community members are invited to review the draft of the proposed Coles County transportation plan at noon and 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 at the Mattoon Public Library. 1600 Charleston Ave. A live view of the plan has been posted online at shorturl.at/i3oiJ.
The Coles County Regional Planning and Development Commission has prepared this draft after surveying residents and meeting with various businesses, social service providers and other stakeholders. The draft assesses local demographics and existing transportation services.
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Planner Samantha McCullough said the draft’s recommendations include developing a marketing plan to raise awareness of the Dial-A-Ride reservation-based buses. She said Dial-A-Ride is open to public use, including for those facing long-term transportation needs or sudden economic setbacks.
“Any one of us could need these services at some point in our lives,” McCullough said.
The commission is scheduled to present the draft plan to the Illinois Department of Transportation later this month and to the Coles County Board in January for review, McCullough said.
Regarding traffic safety, the commission reported that it is also working with the city of Mattoon to write a plan that addresses areas that are unsafe for pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Mattoon residents have been invited to help with this safety effort by filling out a community survey posted at arcg.is/1qTXCO0. Additional information is available on the Coles County Regional Planning page on Facebook.
Photos: Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade and Drone Show
Spectators watch the Sky Elements drone show light up the sky with local icons and Christmas characters after the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Vehicles decorated in lights travel down Broadway Avenue in the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
The 25/8 Xtreme float spreads a flurry of foam during the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Children wave to Santa Claus passing by at the end of the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
The 2024 Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade advances down Broadway Avenue on Friday night.
The 2024 Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade advances down Broadway Avenue on Friday night.
Vehicles decorated in lights travel down Broadway Avenue in the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
The 25/8 Xtreme float spreads a flurry of foam during the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Santa Claus waves at the end of the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Children wave to Santa Claus passing by at the end of the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Children wave to Santa Claus passing by at the end of the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Children wave to Santa Claus passing by at the end of the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Spectators react to the Sky Elements drone show after the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
Spectators record the Sky Elements drone show after the Celebrate Downtown Mattoon Christmas Parade on Friday.
