The Villages of La Grange, Western Springs, Lyons Township High School, Park District of La Grange and Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital are pleased to announce the completion of the traffic and pedestrian safety improvements within the Willow Springs Road Corridor from 47th Street to 51st Street. This collaborative effort was initiated several years ago as part of an overall strategy to assess traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements in this area. From this study a number of improvements were recommended, which included the following:
1. Installation of a traffic signal at the southern entrance of LTHS.
2. Reconfiguration of internal roadways and drop-off and pick-up procedures within the LTHS campus.3. Alignment of the driveway entrances at Denning Park with the proposed signal at LTHS.
4. Installation of east-west sidewalk through Denning Park to provide connectivity to existing neighborhood sidewalk system.5. Installation of an enhanced crosswalk at Mason Drive.
6. Installation of enhanced school speed zone signs with flashing yellow beacons.
The construction of the identified improvements has been completed. The majority of this project was paid for through grants including a federal grant through the Surface Transportation Program and a State of Illinois grant sponsored by State Representative Jim Durkin.
The traffic signal, enhanced crosswalk beacons, and school speed zone signs are tentatively scheduled to be turned on Friday, August 7. Motorists and pedestrians are cautioned to be aware of these new signals and traffic patterns in the area. Signs will also be posted altering motorists of the new signal and signage. Pedestrians are encouraged to cross at the signalized intersections. Please click here for a map showing the new traffic and pedestrian patterns.
As mentioned, new pedestrian signage has also been installed at the intersection of Willow Springs Road and Mason Drive. Specifically the new signage includes push button activated rapid flashing beacons that alert motorists to a pedestrian crossing at this location. While these enhancements will provide greater awareness of a pedestrian crossing, pedestrians should remain alert and wait until vehicles have come to a stop before entering the crosswalk and crossing the street. Similarly, new pedestrian countdown timers are included with the new traffic signal. Pedestrians should be aware of the time remaining within the intersection to cross and should obey the crosswalk signals and signage.If you have any questions regarding the project, or new traffic patterns or procedures, please contact Ryan Gillingham at (708) 579-2328.