Village Takes Stand Against 47th/East Overpass in Proposed Resolution

The new regime is making its mark on La Grange. 

The La Grange Village Board is scheduled to discuss a resolution at Monday night’s meeting formally opposing any sort of grade separation at the intersection of 47th Street and East Avenue.

Two separate bodies—the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Chicago Region Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) Program—are looking into ways to make the intersection safer. Both are considering an overpass or underpass as one possible solution to easing traffic congestion at the four-way stop just east of the railroad tracks.

Former Village President Liz Asperger said in April that it would be premature for the board to pass a resolution.

“We don’t proclaim a stance on an issue or situation that hasn’t actually presented itself,” she said.

Two months, a new president and one new board member have changed things.

The resolution to be considered Monday acknowledges that neither group has yet presented official plans for a grade separation.

But it recognizes the advocacy of residents such as the members of the 47th Street/East Avenue Community Group, which formed in March to lobby against an overpass.

“The Village believes that any grade separation west of the intersection on 47th Street would be detrimental to the quality of life for our residents, would significantly, adversely, and forever change the residential character of our community, and would undermine the Village's traffic calming and pedestrian safety investments made to date,” the resolution reads.

IDOT representatives said at a community meeting May 29 that they have “no predetermined” solution for the site. Approximately 12,000 cars and 56 freight trains pass through the crossing each day, according to CREATE.

The next IDOT community meeting is expected to be in September. Community members can submit comments through the Study Documents Page or by emailing info@47eastavestudy.com.