The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced grant recipients for local projects to improve safety and accessibility for children traveling to school. 
Safe Routes to School is a federal program managed by IDOT that aims to improve safety and encourage active transportation around elementary, middle, and high schools. The program focuses on upgrading and installing sidewalks, implementing measures to curb speeding and traffic violations, and conducting public education and outreach initiatives.
The grants, totaling $9.8 million across 47 Illinois communities, prioritize infrastructure improvements that help prevent accidents, foster independence among children, and help create healthy habits.