A Less Confusing Elmhurst Intersection?

ELMHURST, IL – The traffic light at an intersection in central Elmhurst creates confusion for drivers, a situation that officials want to correct, according to a city memo.

The confusion is for northbound drivers on York Street heading toward Arthur Street, the memo states. The traffic light is on a pole and does not extend over York, but the traffic light for Palmer Drive, which is 350 feet farther, goes over the street.

"If the existing traffic signals are replaced with new poles and mast arms that extend over the York Street travel lanes, along with new upgraded traffic signals, a safer and less confusing driving experience will be achieved," the city memo says.

The traffic signal is a major pedestrian crossing for nearby Hawthorne Elementary School and IC Catholic Prep.

On Monday evening, the City Council's Public Works Committee plans to review the city's proposal for a new traffic light and streetlights at the intersection.

The city administration is proposing a contract of up to $206,000 with Rosemont-based Burke Engineering to do the work next summer.