Construction picking up in downtown Rantoul

RANTOUL, Ill. (WCIA) — The village of Rantoul is in the process of transforming its downtown.

Construction crews were working on Thursday. Officials say right now, they’re focusing on sewers and storm drainage underground.

Once that’s done, contractors will start working above ground on streets and fixing the sidewalks. One business owner says it’s been nearly three years of planning, and he has high hopes for the upgrades.

“Well, we’re hoping that it renews interest in coming downtown. We still have way too many open buildings. And with a new look, with improved roads, with the new sidewalks, we’re really hoping to bring more tenants to the downtown area,” ET’s owner Eric Thompson said.

He says with better sidewalks he plans to add more outdoor seating to bring in more customers. According to one Rantoul official, the work is expected to last about eight months.

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