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Springfield historic sites receive upgrades from IDOT

Press Release - Thursday, October 21, 2021

SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that upgrades are underway for two of the state's most beloved historic landmarks: The Lincoln Tomb and the Dana-Thomas House. Commonly frequented by residents and tourists alike, the sites were in need of parking and other enhancements to improve visitor access.

"We're honored to play a role in ensuring safe and easy access to these historic gems of Springfield," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. "This work will help to preserve these landmarks and the public's ability to enjoy and learn from them. This is yet another example of the ways in which the team at IDOT can boost the local economy, enhance safety and improve quality of life in communities throughout our great state."

The planned improvements include reconstruction of the concrete retaining wall and stairway from the Lincoln Tomb to the receiving vault. An ornamental railing will be added along the new wall and stairs. Parking lot drainage will also be upgraded. The Dana-Thomas House will get a parking lot upgrade with a new bus lane and drop-off connection between Lawrence Street and the existing parking lot.

Both historic sites will remain open during the work, although use of the sidewalks and parking lots may be limited at times. Parking for the Dana-Thomas House will be temporarily moved to the corner of 4th Street and Lawrence Avenue.

Funded through IDOT's Parks Roads Program, the total cost of the two projects is approximately $1 million. The $6 million Parks Roads Program is funded annually for constructing, upgrading, and maintaining park and historic site access and internal roads throughout the state. Projects are chosen and funds allocated through a collaboration between IDOT and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Both the Lincoln Tomb and Dana-Thomas House are managed by the IDNR Office of Land Management.

"IDOT's Parks Roads program is a valuable resource for our historic sites and parks," said IDNR Director Colleen Callahan. "We are delighted to collaborate with IDOT to implement these projects, which make significant improvements to both the guest experience and guest safety."

The projects are expected to be completed in May 2022.

For more information on these sites, including locations, operating hours and how to book a reservation, please visit their websites. For the Lincoln Tomb, visit https://www2.illinois.gov/dnrhistoric/Experience/Sites/Central/Pages/Lincoln-Tomb.aspx. For details on the Dana-Thomas House, see https://www2.illinois.gov/dnrhistoric/Experience/Sites/Central/Pages/Dana-Thomas-House.aspx.

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