By AP/KWMU
Granite City, Ill. – Government and business leaders gathered Tuesday in Granite City to kick off the renovation of 7.5 miles of Illinois Route Three.
The $2.5 million project will affect the section of Route Three between Chain of Rocks Road and the McKinley Bridge in Madison County, near St. Louis.
Community leaders say the landscaping improvements will help stimulate commercial growth, promote revitalization and attract new residents.
Officials say more than 2,200 trees will be planted, brush will be cleared and flag poles will be installed to commemorate the countries in the United Nations.
The project has gotten funding from the state and the cities of Granite City, Madison and Venice.