Doubters Wrong On La Grange Traffic Light: Official
LA GRANGE, IL – A traffic light is coming to 47th Street and East Avenue in Las Grange as part of an $18 million project to improve the intersection, an official said Monday.
The work started last week.
“(The state Department of Transportation) for years has been saying they wanted to signalize that intersection,” Village President Mark Kuchler said at a Village Board meeting. “I know from social media a lot of people believed it was never going to happen. Well, it’s happening.”
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At a 2022 board meeting, Kuchler said he opposed a traffic light at the intersection. He feared unintended consequences.
The project includes the signal, dedicated turn lanes, improved lighting, resurfacing and drainage upgrades.
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The work is expected to last through fall 2026.
When it started last week, it caused traffic problems. The village has since added signs to warn drivers. And detour signs are being put up for industrial traffic, Kuchler said.
“2026 is a long time,” Kuchler said. “There are going to be problems.”
Resident John Pluto, who lives on East Avenue, said he has felt the “rage” of the street for 45 years.
“Last Tuesday, it was a mess,” Pluto said. “We had gravel trucks lined up in front of my house, semis from FedEx and everyone else going down the street for a caravan for hours, and it’s still going on today, not quite as bad.”
Kuchler said the village would continue to advocate for residents with the state Department of Transportation.
La Grange borders the west side of the intersection, while Brookfield and McCook take up corners on the east side.
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