Letter to the Editor: Consider Environmental Effects Of Wider Willow Road

Dear Editor,

I am writing this letter in regards to the environmental impact if Willow Road in Northfield is expanded to 4/5 lanes. IDOT is making their decision on alternatives and the public is allowed to comment to IDOT by May 31st. Interestingly enough, environmental issues are not even being discussed publicly by IDOT before they make the decision on alternatives. I don't understand how this could be the case when their decision will affect the lives of children living and attending school along Willow Rd. So, I have provided some basic information for you to look at and help inform the public about this impact if the 5 lane plan is pushed forward.

Attached is a letter from PEHSU (pediatric environmental health specialty units) which provides some basic information about putting a major roadway in a residential area where people live and children attend school. As you can see, the air and noise pollution from a major roadway has a huge impact to those people and children within the "danger zone". Some of the dangers that we are referring to include cancer, asthma, heart attacks, and stunted lung development. The noise pollution also has a negative impact by affecting children's reading abilities, cognitive development, physiological indicators, and motivational tasks. This is why California enacted a law that prohibits a new school from being built within 500feet of a major roadway. Knowing this, why would IDOT purposely expand a road to 5 lanes which directly impacts childrens' and residents' lives.

This proposed expansion of 4/5 lanes should be rejected based on safety alone. However, the health of these people is just as important. The safety and health of the schoolchildren attending school along Willow as well as the residents living at or near willow, especially with children, should be the number one concern. Not merely saving a second or two of travel time. Think about it and tell IDOT NO to the 4/5 lane plan.

-  Northfield Mom