Adams/Jefferson OWTW 

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Adams 1950










PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PEORIA PUBLIC LIBRARY LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION

One-way streets have long been a part of Downtown Peoria. Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue were converted from two-way to one-way in 1951 to increase capacity and decrease crashes on these high-traffic roadways throughout Downtown. One-way streets are excellent ways to move high volumes of traffic quickly from one point to another. 

However, one-way streets also increase traffic speeds, make pedestrian crossings dangerous, and can hinder property access. Projects to convert Jefferson Avenue and Adams Street to two-way traffic have long been suggested. With the City's efforts to revitalize Downtown, the project is in place to convert Adams and Jefferson from one-way back to two-way roadways. The conversion will slow traffic down, provide better infrastructure for pedestrians and bicycles, and upgrade to mast arm-mounted traffic signals for better visibility and safety.

From One Way Back to Two Way

  • 1951: Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue are converted from two-way to one-way traffic to quickly move the high volume of vehicles throughout Downtown.
  • 2002: The consultant of the Heart of Peoria Plan, Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, suggests a project to convert Adams and Jefferson to two-way traffic as a moderate-level priority project. They also suggest narrowing roadways, providing on-street parking, and concentrating on multiple modes of transportation, which would include vehicles, pedestrians, and bicycles.
  • 2015: A public meeting is held to discuss the conversion of Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue within the Warehouse District. This conversion was the first phase in converting Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue in their entirety.

OWTW Project Boundaries

ProjectLimitsUseThe two-way traffic conversion will take place on Adams Street from Walnut Street to Hamilton Boulevard; and on Jefferson Avenue from Walnut Street to Fayette Street. Bumpouts at the corners of cross streets will narrow the roadway to reduce the pedestrian crossing distance. Bike lanes will also be added to Adams and Jefferson.












OWTW Proposed Sections - Adams Street (Image Depicts Looking Northeast)Adams St Cross Section

  1. One lane of travel in each direction.
  2. Mill and overlay of existing pavement.
  3. Added center turn lane.
  4. Existing parking is maintained.
  5. Existing sidewalks are maintained.
  6. Added bike lane.








OWTW Proposed Sections - Jefferson Avenue (Image Depicts Looking Northeast)Jefferson Ave Cross Section

  1. One lane of travel in each direction.
  2. Mill and overlay of existing pavement.
  3. Added center turn lane.
  4. Existing parking is maintained.
  5. Existing sidewalks are maintained.
  6. Added bike lane.









William Kumpf Boulevard Intersections William Kumpf Bvld

  1. A left turn lane off the Bob Michel Bridge onto Adams will be added, as demonstrated with the yellow arrow.
  2. The left turn lane will be removed on Kumpf onto Adams, as demonstrated with the red line and orange X.
  3. A left turn lane on Kumpf onto Jefferson will be added, as demonstrated with the yellow arrow.
  4. Improved ADA ramps at the corners of Adams and Jefferson, as demonstrated by the highlighted purple sections.

Image Highlights

Yellow Arrows: Added Turn Lanes
Purple Areas: ADA Ramp Improvements
Orange X: Removed Turn Lane
Red Line: Removed Turn Lane