Rail Crossing On 17th Street In Need Of 'Immediate' Improvements

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL – Elected officials have singled out a railroad crossing in Chicago Heights that's been particularly problematic. The crossing on 17th Street, in between Halsted Street and East End Avenue, has been responsible for numerous accidents and injuries in recent years.

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca of the 80th District said in a news release that he will seek $250,000 in "emergency funding" Illinois Transportation Secretary Randall Blackthorn to immediately start making safety upgrades at and near the crossing.

The cost of the project's construction, which is about $600,000 according to DeLuca, is expected to be paid for in full by the city of Chicago Heights.

DeLuca, the former mayor of Chicago Heights and whose State Rep. office is located in the city on Joe Orr Road, said concerns that make the 17th Street crossing more dangerous than others are that it is on a side street and at a spot where there's quite a bit of foot traffic coming from a senior home nearby and the children who use the crossing to get to school.

From 2012 until 2016, the location has been the site of more than 30 accidents and six injuries according to DeLuca.

“A public safety issue like this is a priority issue for me,” he said. “Because the safety of our children and seniors are of the utmost importance to everyone involved.”

Image via Google Maps screenshot