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 (including members of the Citizens Advisory Group) 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 would also restrict northwest bound traffic on Bluff Avenue (spur), allowing one-way traffic southbound only. Delineators (barricades) would be installed to prevent traffic from driving around railroad safety gates.