Decatur Area Transportation Efficiency Study (DATES)
Project Information
What is the DATES project?
Decatur Area Transportation Efficiency Study (DATES) is focusing on improving truck, rail, and general freight movement through the Decatur region. By doing so, the DATES project will benefit all transportation users by prioritizing improvements to:
- Reduce travel delays on congested roadways and at-grade rail crossings;
- Enhance safety for the traveling public including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians;
- Support and strengthen existing area businesses and industries;
- Enhance economic development opportunities within the region; and,
- Improve the overall quality of life for area residents.
We want your opinions – TAKE THIS SURVEY !!!
Whether you’ve encountered extended delays waiting for a train to clear a crossing, missed an appointment because of traffic congestion or been inconvenienced by lack of stop light timing take a few minutes and tell us your experiences. Click on the link below and take the survey.
Will there be other ways I can participate in the DATES process?
A number of public meetings will be held. It’s your opportunity to tell us about truck traffic and rail concerns within the Decatur region. The next public meeting will be held in the Staley Room at the Decatur Public Library, on August 24th, between 4 and 7 PM. Representatives from DUATS and URS Corporation will be there to hear your stories, take comments and learn from you.
There will be additional public meetings and opportunities to view and comment on the potential transportation improvements in the coming months. If you would like to receive notices regarding future meetings please provide us with your contact information. And, you can contact the project team directly if you have any questions or comments. The easiest way to reach us is via e-mail jim_meyer@urscorp.com or mlsmith@decaturil.gov. If you want to call us, Jim can be reached at (612) 802-3725 and Mark’s number is (217) 424-2790.
What is the project schedule?
The project began in January 2011 and will continue into Summer 2012. The project team is currently collecting rail and truck data and identifying potential multi-modal conflicts and other mobility and safety concerns. As the study progresses into the Fall, the project team will identify potential improvements to enhance rail and truck movements through the region. The final report should be available in the Summer 2012.
Watch the Video!!!