Map Apps Misled La Grange Traffic Near Project: Official

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange officials are working with the state and county transportation agencies on traffic problems caused by the construction project at 47th Street and East Avenue

One issue is map apps such as Google Maps and Waze.

Village President Mark Kuchler said Monday that during a meeting, the state Department of Transportation committed to contacting the mapping programs to ensure they properly reflect the construction.

At the time of the meeting, he said, the project wasn't reflected correctly in the maps.

"Google Maps and Waze were still directing people northbound on East Avenue," Kuchler said at a Village Board meeting. "So we do appreciate everyone's patience as we work collaboratively with our partners to address the concerns that have been raised."

Trustee Beth Augustine said she drove around with residents in the neighborhood in question. She said some measures appear to be working, but she witnessed speeding drivers on residential streets detouring around the construction.

She suggested officials consider more signage or even temporary speed bumps to dissuade drivers from speeding.

The village, she said, needs to continue pressuring the state to take action.

Cook County was involved in the recent meeting with La Grange officials because it owns nearby Plainfield Road.

The work started last fall and is expected to last two years.

According to the state, a traffic light is coming to 47th and East as part of an $18 million project to improve the intersection.