Rep. Lipinski Promises Support for Residents With 47th/East Project

U.S. Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-Western Springs) told residents Monday he'd back their wishes for improvements at the intersection of 47th Street and East Avenue in La Grange, the Doings La Grange reported Monday.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is working on a multi-year project to improve six major intersections in the area that were affected by the 1998 Joliet Road closure south of 55th Street, including 47th Street and East Avenue. 

One of IDOTs proposed solutions of an overpass at the intersection, though, has drawn criticism from residents and opposition from village officials.

The La Grange Village Board voted unanimously last month in favor of a resolution formally opposing any grade separation at the intersection, buttressed on one side by a railroad crossing.

Lipinski told the Doings that nothing has been "preordained," and that there's no money for a grade separation.

Residents organized the 47thStreet/East Avenue Community Group in March in resistance to a possible overpass, one of several solutions IDOT proposed to ease traffic congestion and improve safety at the intersection.

Lipinski urged residents to continue to share input with IDOT at the next community advisory group meeting in September, according to the Doings.

See also:

• Trustees Solidify Opposition to Overpass at 47th/East Intersection
• IDOT: 'No Predetermined Solution' for 47th/East Intersection