Transportation

Transportation related issues.

Read more about the article In Champaign, getting a driver’s permit requires a 6:30 a.m. alarmKaniz Fatema
The Champaign DMV, located at 2012 Round Barn Rd., on March 25, 2026. Photo by Kaniz Fatema.

In Champaign, getting a driver’s permit requires a 6:30 a.m. alarm

In 2023, the Illinois Secretary of State launched the “Skip the Line” program to lower wait times at Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) facilities…

Continue ReadingIn Champaign, getting a driver’s permit requires a 6:30 a.m. alarm
Read more about the article Hundreds of Champaign County elevator certificates listed as expired in state databaseAdelyn Mui
The elevator in Gregory Hall on Dec. 10, 2025. Photo by Adelyn Mui.

Hundreds of Champaign County elevator certificates listed as expired in state database

Nearly one-third of the active elevators and conveyances like escalators and lifts in Champaign County appeared to have expired safety certificates in the Office…

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Read more about the article Hundreds of Illinois railroad crossings have minimal protections — and upgrades may take yearsGoogle Street View
The railroad crossing in Danforth, Iroquois County, Illinois where Aaron Pittman-Teague died after being struck by a train while plowing snow in January 2025. Screenshot from Google Street View.

Hundreds of Illinois railroad crossings have minimal protections — and upgrades may take years

Aaron Pittman-Teague died after being struck by a Canadian National train while plowing snow just north of Danforth, Illinois on Jan. 6, 2025.  There…

Continue ReadingHundreds of Illinois railroad crossings have minimal protections — and upgrades may take years
Read more about the article MLK Subdivision residents seek more signage to address speeding, traffic safety concernsDarrell Hoemann
MLK Subdivision in Champaign, IL on Wednesday, December 15, 2021. photo by Darrell Hoemann/C-U Citizen Access

MLK Subdivision residents seek more signage to address speeding, traffic safety concerns

Residents of the Martin Luther King Subdivision have voiced increasing concerns about speeding and traffic safety in their Champaign neighborhood. “Our neighborhood is very…

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Read more about the article Hundreds of flooding complaints rippled across Champaign in past decade: From Campbell Drive to viaducts to MattisDylan Tiger
One of the more common subjects of flooding calls has been for the viaduct located at the intersection of Kirby Avenue and Neil Street in Champaign. Photo by Dylan Tiger.

Hundreds of flooding complaints rippled across Champaign in past decade: From Campbell Drive to viaducts to Mattis

A block of basements covered in water on Church Street. A flooded locker room, briefing room, and hallway in the Champaign police station. A…

Continue ReadingHundreds of flooding complaints rippled across Champaign in past decade: From Campbell Drive to viaducts to Mattis
Read more about the article Thousands of tons of nuclear waste remain stored at power plants throughout Illinois; Some quietly transported on state highways
Spent nuclear fuel shipments are transported in shielded containers designed to withstand severe conditions. (Source: U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission)

Thousands of tons of nuclear waste remain stored at power plants throughout Illinois; Some quietly transported on state highways

They are metal tubes that are about 12 feet long and less than an inch wide. Inside those tubes are 11,000 metric tons of…

Continue ReadingThousands of tons of nuclear waste remain stored at power plants throughout Illinois; Some quietly transported on state highways
Read more about the article Driving disparities remain in University of Illinois traffic stopsJordan Butler
Illinois Street and Lincoln Avenue intersection, located adjacent to the Illinois Street Residence Hall parking lot. Photo by Jordan Butler.

Driving disparities remain in University of Illinois traffic stops

Driving while on the phone. Being pulled over without lights or sirens. Getting searched for incorrectly turning down a one-way. These are just some…

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Read more about the article Black and Asian drivers make up nearly half of traffic stops by university police even when number of stops dropUniversity of Illinois Blog
The University of Illinois Police Department operates from the Public Safety Building, 1110 W. Springfield Ave., Urbana.

Black and Asian drivers make up nearly half of traffic stops by university police even when number of stops drop

In 2023, the University of Illinois Police Department conducted 2,526 traffic stops — 19% lower than traffic stops made five years ago and nearly…

Continue ReadingBlack and Asian drivers make up nearly half of traffic stops by university police even when number of stops drop
Read more about the article Greater Community Aids Project reports issues with MTD paratransit serviceMTD
A paratransit bus from Champaign-Urbana MTD passes by a standard bus. Photo from the MTD website.

Greater Community Aids Project reports issues with MTD paratransit service

Some clients of the Greater Community Aids Project of East Illinois said they have been stranded and mistreated during the past year by Mass…

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Read more about the article E-bikes pose danger across college campuses, risk of insurance loss
Adam Peck, former Illinois State University assistant vice president for student affairs, who died in 2022 after he was hit by an electric bicycle on campus.

E-bikes pose danger across college campuses, risk of insurance loss

“Those things are going to kill me one day,” Adam Peck said to his wife, Michele, after narrowly avoiding an e-bike rider on the…

Continue ReadingE-bikes pose danger across college campuses, risk of insurance loss