Elmhurst Targets Railroad Crossing For Safety Upgrades

ELMHURST, IL — Seven years ago, the Illinois Commerce Commission requested Elmhurst target a railroad crossing for safety improvements for drivers and pedestrians.

The crossing is on St. Charles Road, near York High School. In 2014, the city got word that it would receive state money for the project, with the city chipping in 10 percent, according to a city memo this week.

Since then, the city has jumped through state-mandated hoops to make the project a reality. It still has a ways to go.

In late 2019, two firms submitted proposals for the engineering to improve the railroad signals at the intersection. The city chose Elgin's HLR Inc. at a cost of $78,000, the memo said.

The project will include a new controller and cabinet with uninterruptible power and more safety features, according to the memo. Pedestrian upgrades are expected to include push buttons and traffic signals at St. Charles Road and Berkley Avenue.

On Monday, the City Council will be asked to approve the latest paperwork to start the engineering, according to the meeting agenda.