Macomb, IL – Western Illinois University would like to close Murray Street through campus, but it appears the city is balking at the idea.
The main concern expressed by aldermen is traffic. The fifth ward's Tim Lobdell also pointed out that a lot of money has been spent on recent improvements to the street, which is owned by the city.
The street will soon be closed temporarily to allow construction of WIU's new multi-cultural center. Fifth ward alderman Tim Lobdell suggests that might be an opportunity to conduct a traffic study on nearby streets to determine if they're impacted when Murray Street is closed.
The city seems to feel that if Murray Street is closed permanently, either Avery or Charles Streets should be extended to University Drive.
More information:
*WIU's Master Plan calls for the permanent closure of Murray Street. The university wants to create a pedestrian mall.
*The 1591 foot stretch would extend from Stadium Drive on the east to Western Avenue on the west.
*The stretch of Murray Street in question also has the commemorative designation of C.T. Vivian Way.
*The city is not opposed to closing the street while WIU builds its new multi-cultural center.