On Monday, June 23, IDOT presented preliminary recommended improvements to the intersection of 47th Street and East Avenue at the Village Board Meeting. Originally IDOT considered two primary options for the intersection - at-grade improvements or a grade separation.
The Village and residents expressed opposition to a grade separation because of its significant impacts to the community. As a result, IDOT is focusing on a proposed redesign of the intersection which includes at-grade improvements only.
IDOT's preliminary recommended improvements include signalization, sidewalks and drainage improvements. The proposed design restricts northwest bound traffic on Bluff Avenue (spur) to one way southbound only. Delineators (barricades) would be installed to prevent traffic from driving around railroad safety gates.