Lorado Taft Path Widening Begins Near Campus
Businesses and commuters along the corridor should plan around fenced areas and detours through December 15.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Construction
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Construction has begun on widening the Lorado Taft Path near Wymer Hall, Huff Hall, the Business Instructional Facility, and Siebel Center for Design on the University of Illinois campus. The project separates pedestrians from bicyclists and e-scooter riders on a corridor used by nearly 10,000 people daily, with work expected to run until December 15.
Why it matters
Additions to Wymer Hall and Siebel Center for Design increased traffic and safety concerns in the corridor, and Facilities & Services considers the existing path too narrow. The project was first identified in the 2014 Campus Bike Plan, so it reflects a long-planned response to changes in the area.
The project has an 8-foot-wide pedestrian sidewalk planned immediately south of the existing path, and it received over $180,000 from the Student Sustainability Committee, funded through the Student Campus Environment Fee. The corridor carries nearly 10,000 or more pedestrians and bicyclists daily.
The players
Facilities & Services
The University of Illinois campus unit that manages facilities and services, responsible for planning and overseeing this corridor project.
TERRA Engineering
The engineering firm hired in fall 2025 by Facilities & Services to design the Lorado Taft Path solution.
Student Sustainability Committee
The student-run body that awarded the over $180,000 grant funded through the Student Campus Environment Fee.
The details
Construction will proceed in two phases, with phase one focusing on areas adjacent to Wymer Hall and the Business Instructional Facility. During phase two, the north entrance of the Siebel Center for Design will be closed off. While key areas are fenced, pedestrians, bicyclists, and micromobility users are advised to use nearby sidewalks and streets, and the existing path will be converted into a bicycle and e-scooter route.
Timeline
2014: The project was included in the Campus Bike Plan.
Fall 2025: Facilities & Services hired TERRA Engineering to design a solution for the Lorado Taft Path.
November 1, 2026: Construction on the Lorado Taft Path widening began.
December 15: Construction is expected to end.
Market Landscape
The project implements a concept first identified in the 2014 Campus Bike Plan, which set the path for separating active transportation modes on campus. Its funding through the Student Campus Environment Fee shows how student fees can support infrastructure tied to campus sustainability goals.
Pedestrians and cyclists using the corridor should plan for detours onto nearby sidewalks and streets while fenced areas remain closed. Operators in the area should expect construction disruption near Wymer Hall, the Business Instructional Facility, and the Siebel Center for Design through December 15.
The takeaway
Plan around construction zones and reroutes near the Siebel Center for Design through December 15. Operators whose customers or staff use this corridor should monitor the closure schedule for the north entrance during phase two.
What happens next
Construction on the Lorado Taft Path is expected to end December 15, with the final phase affecting the Siebel Center for Design north entrance.
Further reading
For broader context on building projects in the area, see Construction coverage in Champaign.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Daily Illini.
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