Route 31 'road diet' hearings planned in Geneva

If you think the idea of turning South Batavia Avenue in Geneva to a two-lane road is good or bad, or if you just want to learn more about the proposal, the time to speak up is fast approaching.

Geneva officials will conduct public hearings Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 at the public works department, 1800 South St. The hearings start at 7 p.m. with a time to view plans, followed by a presentation by a consultant at 7:30 p.m.

The state plans to resurface the stretch from Elizabeth Place south to Main Street in Batavia this spring.

If a "road diet" is implemented, the four-lane roadway would be changed to two through lanes from Elizabeth to the Geneva city limits. A center turn lane could be installed, and possibly a bicycle lane or two.

The city council is considering this as a way to reduce crashes, make it safer to ride a bicycle along the state highway, and make it easier for pedestrians to cross the road.

Batavia officials had asked the Illinois Department of Transportation to do something similar through Batavia, but were denied, because Batavia's stretch of the road carries more traffic.