November 07, 2025 

City Manager Pamela Reece

This week, Council approved a project to build an Underpass in Uptown Normal. 

This project has been a strategic priority since 2015 and checks many boxes in the Town's strategic and comprehensive plans. Most importantly, this transformational project increases safety and enhances accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and riders. It will also promote economic development for Uptown South. Read on to learn more. 

If you haven't already, please share your feedback about the campus safety improvements we've been testing this fall. 

With Halloween behind us and the holidays ahead, check out the calendar for upcoming events! November is Member Appreciation Month at the Children's Discovery Museum, and per usual, they are rolling out the red carpet for the Museum family. Check it out, and if you're not one already, become a member!

Finally, a reminder the Town of Normal offices will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. On behalf of Town staff, I honor the courage and service of all who have worn our nation’s uniform in defense of freedom. We thank you.

"You don't just live in a great place, you work to make great places."

-- Mayor Chris Koos

At the Nov. 3 meeting, Council took several actions to make way for an underpass in Uptown Normal, connecting Uptown North to Uptown South.

This effort will create a more accessible community, improve rider experience for those using Uptown Station and enhance economic development opportunities for Uptown South. 

For Uptown South, the Underpass will provide access to new space which will allow for new residential, retail and commercial leasing opportunities, ultimately leading to additional sales tax and property tax generated for the Town.  

Above: Conceptual rendering of the North Plaza (viewing south), including the accessible ramp and plaza seating.

Above: Conceptual rendering of the underpass tunnel. The tunnel will be well-lit and equipped with security cameras for safety. Public art will be displayed throughout the tunnel. (Artwork shown here is an example. Exact design to be determined.)

Above: Conceptual rendering of the South Plaza, including an amphitheater and seating. 

Above: Conceptual rendering of an aerial view of the South Plaza (viewing north)

On Nov. 3, the Normal Town Council also took the following actions:

To learn more, read the Nov. 3 Council Action Reports. 

In 2024, Pubic Works crews collected 11,436 cubic yards of leaves. 

Source: Town of Normal 2024 Annual Report

Rake smart, keep leaves out of the street! Leaves in the street block storm water inlets, obstruct traffic and hinder street maintenance. See other  reminders below!

These installations put your safety ideas to the test! Tell us what you think about campus safety improvements by Nov. 21. Take one survey or take them all — your voice matters!

Street Closure: School Street, College Avenue and Mulberry Street
Closure shortens crosswalks, creates more space for pedestrians and slows traffic

Crosswalk Visibility: University Street Corridor
Temporary, colorful paint designs improve visibility of crosswalks

Traffic Calming: Beaufort Street at Broadway & Fell Avenue
Temporary low-profile rubber bumps and expanded corners guide left-turning motorists, improve crosswalk visibility and shorten crosswalks

Mid-Block Crossing: Beaufort Street & School Street
A temporary mid-block crosswalk (a crossing located between street intersections) increases crossing options on Beaufort Street

Two-Way Bike Lane: College Avenue from School Street to Constitution Trail
Temporary bike lane improves options for on-street bicycling to and through Illinois State’s campus

Intersection Improvements: Constitution Trail at Locust & Mulberry Streets
Temporary curb bump-outs (extensions of the sidewalk marked with flexible, plastic posts) make pedestrians more visible, shorten crosswalks and prevent illegal parking.

Pathway Education: College Avenue On-Campus Pathway
Temporary decals on the southern sidewalk promote shared responsibility, safe travel behaviors and compliance with the campus dismount zone 

The Town of Normal Cultural Arts and Parks & Recreation Departments coordinate programming and events for the community to enjoy. 

Visit the Town of Normal website for past editions of Normal Now. 

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Thank you for being part of our community! We want to hear from you! Let us know how we're doing and what you'd like to see in future editions of Normal Now.