Illinois State University and the Town of Normal partnered to launch the Pedestrian & Roadway Campus Safety Initiative, a comprehensive effort to enhance transportation safety for all who live, work and travel through the Illinois State University campus and surrounding areas. 

Recent crashes and increasing safety concerns led to the initiative which will introduce innovative solutions to improve pedestrian and roadway safety.

To lead the effort, the University and the Town of Normal engaged transportation planning firm TY Lin and community engagement and design firm All Together.

“The safety of students, faculty and community members is a top priority,” said Ryan Otto, director of Engineering & Public Works for the Town of Normal. “This collaborative process will ensure community input is at the forefront of the planning process as we develop data-driven safety improvements.”

A Community-Centered Approach to Safety

The Pedestrian & Roadway Campus Safety Initiative focuses on several key themes:

• Proactive Planning and Evaluation: Using data-driven strategies and innovative traffic solutions to prioritize pedestrian safety and ensure effective implementation.
• Shared Responsibility: Recognizing roadway safety is a collective effort involving pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and all community members.
• Awareness of Shared Spaces: Educating all road users on how to safely navigate campus and surrounding areas while respecting shared transportation networks.
• Continuous Improvement: Committing to ongoing infrastructure enhancements and collaboration with other entities, including the Illinois Department of Transportation.
• Future-Focused Solutions: Encouraging active transportation—such as walking and biking—to support community health, well-being, and sustainability goals.

Engaging the Community: Share Your Input

Students and campus and community members will have several opportunities to share their feedback:

• A community-wide survey invites all residents, students, faculty and commuters to share their experiences and ideas for improving campus safety.
• In-person engagement opportunities begin April 14 and April 30 when the University and the Town of Normal gather student input on campus.

“The success of this initiative depends on the voices of those who live, study and work in the community. We urge people to take the survey and want students to visit the on-campus sites to share feedback,” said Adam McCrary, director of Environmental Health and Safety at Illinois State. “Working with the Town of Normal and community partners, we can create long-term safety solutions that improve mobility and reduce risks for everyone.”

What’s Next?

After documenting existing conditions and gathering community input, the team will develop and implement pilot projects at high-risk locations. These projects will be monitored using real-time data and community feedback, ultimately informing long-term infrastructure improvements.

Community members are encouraged to participate in this initiative by sharing their perspectives through the survey, engaging in discussions, and staying informed about upcoming improvements.

For more information about the Pedestrian & Roadway Campus Safety Initiative, upcoming engagement opportunities, and how to get involved, visit normalil.gov/CampusSafety