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.
The Village President and Board of Trustees invite residents to comment on the proposed plan. Please submit comments to Cathy Benjamin at cbenjamin@villageoflagrange.com.
Comments will be distributed to the Village Board and staff for consideration. Staff will evaluate and consider both the IDOT proposal and citizen comments, and report back to the Village Board with a staff assessment and recommendation for the Village Board to consider.
For more information regarding the study process, please visit the 47th and East Avenue website or the Village's website.