Road Diet Project for Route 31 Set to Begin September 30

BATAVIA, IL) – Plans are underway to begin the Illinois Route 31/Batavia Avenue Road Diet Project as early as Monday, Sept.30. The project area extends from Fabyan Parkway to Mooseheart Road, excluding the section between Houston Street and Elm Street.
 
Superior Striping, the City contractor, will begin removing existing pavement markings using water blasting technology, followed by the removal of raised reflective pavement markers. Temporary striping will then be applied before the permanent pavement markings are installed. These new markings will reconfigure the roadway into one lane in each direction with a center turn lane. Once completed, new raised pavement markers will be placed throughout the project area.
 
During construction, at least one traffic lane will remain open in each direction, but motorists should expect delays. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek alternate routes. The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 31.
 
The City of Batavia has adopted the road diet for Rt. 31 in order to enhance safety for all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists, by reducing the number of lanes and implementing a center turn lane. This reconfiguration aims to improve traffic flow, reduce crashes, and create a safer environment for pedestrians and cyclists crossing the roadway. Currently, Rt. 31 has two lanes in each direction with no center turn lane. After the project, there will be one lane in each direction with a dedicated center turn lane.
The benefits of the road diet include:
 

• Crash Reduction: The addition of a center turn lane is expected to decrease left turn, rear-end, and sideswipe collisions. The City of Batavia’s engineering consultant, TranSystems, estimates a 27% reduction in crashes following implementation.
• Improved Walkability: Fewer lanes and increased distance between traffic and sidewalks will make crossing safer for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Traffic Calming: The road diet will help regulate speeds, creating a smoother and more consistent flow of traffic.
• Easier Access: The project will make it easier to access homes, schools, and businesses. Side street traffic, especially those making left turns, will find it easier to enter the main roadway due to fewer lanes.