Traffic Light Planned For La Grange Intersection

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange's village president is on record opposing a traffic light at 47th Street and East Avenue.

But a light is still planned for the intersection. Now, it is a four-way stop.

The signal is in the works as part of the state Department of Transportation's infrastructure program for 2024 to 2029, the agency's spokeswoman, Maria Castaneda, said in an email to Patch this week.

The project at the intersection would include the traffic light, railroad crossing upgrades, new sidewalks and drainage improvements, she said.

Castaneda didn't say which year the project would happen. But she said engineering efforts are targeted for it to go out to bid in the early years of the program.

This is contingent on the readiness of the plan, land acquisition and money available through legislative appropriations, she said.

She noted that Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad crossings are west and south of the intersection.

Years ago, the state suggested having the road go over or under the tracks. But at a public meeting in 2013, residents strongly opposed that idea, Casteneda said.

As a result, the alternative was dismissed because of the impacts on businesses and houses, the high cost of construction and the lack of public support, she said.

At a Village Board meeting in 2022, Village President Mark Kuchler opposed a traffic light at the intersection. He feared unintended consequences.

A police official called the intersection "very dangerous."