In 2016, East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) completed the fourth round of Great Streets demonstration projects, which included Smithton Main Street. The round four projects were funded through federal transportation planning grants and local funds provided by the project sponsors.
Illinois State Route 159 serves as the main street for the village of Smithton, Illinois. EWG in collaboration with the village of Smithton and other key stakeholders developed a series of white papers which culminated in the Smithton Main Street Strategic Planning Report. EWG’s goal for the planning document was to create a concise practical tool that the community could use to make the Smithton Main Street a great street. The planning process for Smithton included community engagement and feedback, an examination of existing conditions (e.g. land use and zoning, transportation, environmental) along the Smithton Main Street, and the identification of strategies for improving the corridor and potential funding sources to support the improvements.