Elmhurst Implements Safety Changes at Prairie Path and York St. Intersection

Officials in Elmhurst are aiming to create a safer crossing at Prairie Path and York Street, according to a release from the City of Elmhurst.

Last Monday, Elmhurst Police Deputy Chief Michael McLean discussed the 47 accidents that have taken place at the site over the past decade with aldermen on the city’s Public Affairs and Safety Committee, the Pioneer Press reported.

"We're getting a warning repeatedly," Ald. Norm Leader said after McLean's presentation. "Sooner or later somebody's going to get seriously hurt."

McLean said of the 47 accidents, 28 have happened over the last five years, an indication the rate is increasing. Eight of the accidents have involved motor vehicles and bicyclists. Two have involved vehicles and pedestrians.

Of those 10 accidents involving either bikers or pedestrians, seven have involved riders or pedestrians traveling east on the path being struck by drivers going north on York.

"Personally, I think it's all sightlines," Ald. Chris Healy said.

The Illinois Prairie Path was also the site of an assault last Monday in which a female jogger was grabbed from behind while running.

The Public Affairs and Safety and Public Works and Building Committees took part in several meetings to discuss the safety of the crossing and signed an engineering contract to evaluate ways to make the crossing safer for pedestrians, according to the city release.

The City of Elmhurst, Elmhurst Park District and DuPage County worked to come up with a handful of improvements that would make the area safer for both pedestrians and drivers, and the physical changes were recently implemented.

Work included trimming and removing of vegetation that blocked visibility for drivers and walkers, refreshing white striping paint on the crosswalk and a new “Stop for Pedestrian” sign at the corner of York St.

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Photo by Anicka Slachta for Patch.