47th Street Intersection Project: Readers React

Readers have had a lot to say since Patch published a story Friday on proposed construction to alleviate congestion and improve safety at the intersection of 47th Street and East Avenue in La Grange.

The intersection, which lies along a freight train crossing, hosts about 12,000 cars and 56 freight trains each day, according to the Chicago Region Environmental Transportation and Efficiency Program (CREATE).

Here's a roundup of reader reaction:

Jennifer Paul: We've lived near there for three years..always wondered when it, if at all would be fixed. Personally coming close to being hit many times because people don't understand how a 4way stop works. We avoid that intersection during busy times. — La Grange Patch Facebook

Brittany Feeley-Ruiz: Maybe they should just post instructions for how to properly navigate a 4 way stop sign. Seems like everyone driving over there could use a refresher course. — La Grange Patch Facebook

Pete Quealy: The 4-way stop is ridiculous. A traffic light would take care of most of the safety issues. Just say 'no' to the overpass idea. — La Grange Patch Facebook

Jane: Not only would an overpass be an eyesore and more hazardous in icy weather, it will be years of disruption while being built right next to one of the busiest parks in La Grange. Put in a traffic signal and better gates if you want to increase safety. An overpass will just increase traffic and I don't see how that makes 47th safer for those of that live here and cross it regularly. I hope the Village takes an official stand for a better solution on behalf of our residents. — La Grange Patch

Reverend Mother: What about a pedestrian overpass walkway/bridge to Sedgewick Park? A vehicle overpass would only add to the current problems - it would increase traffic, which is already an issue, it would be hazardous in bad weather, and it would further decrease the overall ambiance of that intersection, not to mention be a possible haven for crime and other dangers to pedestrians. I've seen several nice pedestrian overpasses in other areas. Not only do they allow pedestrians safe passage over busy streets, they also enhance the ambiance, depending how they are designed and built, and they are certainly more cost effective than digging up the street. Major road construction for a vehicle overpass would add to the hazards for pedestrians. A traffice light might offer some solution to the traffic - but it would not necessarily ensure safety to pedestrians and that is the main concern. A nice pedestrian access across 47th and also across East Avenue could be a cost effective alternative to pedestrian safety and an enhancement, rather than an eyesore to the area. It could also bring more families to Sedgewick Park. I live a little further west off of 47th Street, we could walk to Sedgewick but my family and I never go that park because of the traffic. If there were a nice little bridge/pedestrian walkway, it would be safer and unobstructive - and more cost effective.  — La Grange Patch

Dave B.: I wasn't sure if Tom Livingston's quote ("In terms of safety, this grade-separation project will take completely out of the equation any interaction between trains and the motoring public.") was an endorsement of grade separation or just a simple statement of fact (i.e. if the grades are separated, trains will no longer block cars).

Since he will likely be La Grange's next Village President I wanted to know his position. I just talked with him and he assured me that he is opposed to any grade separation project at that intersection. In fact, he just submitted a candidate position statement to the La Grange Patch indicating as much and has a call into Congressman Lipinski to express his view. 

Although he is opposed to grade separation, Tom is open to other changes that might improve safety - such as stoplights. — La Grange Patch

George Pach: It really doesn't take a brain surgeon to figure out that all it really needs is a traffic light (doubled in some places like South of the tracks on East Ave and West of the tracks on 47th!). It could be similar to the traffic light on Harlem near 29th St by the Harlem Train Stop. It might not look too "pretty" but I believe it would be the cheapest and most economical solution to that congested early morning and early evening commuter corner. That is the price we would have to pay since we live in such a "mobile" society. Surely this should be done & done quickly without spending a lot of taxpayer $ on two or more years of study & discussion. But wait, this is Illinois and the state loves to pay out money it doesn't have for such frivolous things! Lets put the "study" $ to better use by paying some of our bills!

I do like the reverend mother's idea of a pedestrian bridge for bicyclists and pedestrians. — La Grange Patch

Erik Bloecks: I agree with the prior comments for a light. They can have it on a timer to be a Flashing red during non-peak hours. This interection is similiar to Irving Park and Wood Dale Rds with the Milwaukee West RR line crossing both. I also like the idea for a pedestrian bridge but with the need for handicapped access there may not be enough room for such a span, especially on the north end. Let's see what the designers can come up with; I may be proven wrong. — La Grange Patch

Earlier:

• Safety Concerns Emerge around 47th Street Intersection Proposal
• 47th Street Intersection Project: Statements from Village Candidates