Fatal Train Crash: Dispute On Clarendon Hills Project

CLARENDON HILLS, IL – Clarendon Hills last year kept secret messages from residents or others with concerns about a construction project before a fatal train crash.

Earlier this month, the village did so again in response to Patch's public records request.

Both times, the village said the National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the May 11, 2022, crash, requires that parties in an inquiry not disclose information.

The board released findings in May. But it has not yet issued a final report, which would include an analysis of the findings, probable cause and safety recommendations.

Authorities said a Metra train collided with a box truck at the Prospect Avenue crossing in Clarendon Hills. A train passenger, 72-year-old Christina Lopez of Downers Grove, was killed.

The truck's driver told investigators that his truck stalled on the tracks.

But shortly after the crash, an attorney for Lopez's family questioned whether the village's downtown construction project played a role, which prompted Patch's public records requests.

The National Transportation Safety Board investigated the construction angle.

The board noted the lack of a temporary ramp leading up to the tracks. That resulted in a drop-off, with a "BUMP" sign alerting drivers.

Also, the board's documents revealed a difference of opinion between the engineer and the contractor.

In response to the board's inquiry, the engineer from Terra Engineering said in a letter that he called for the contractor to install "butt joints" on both sides of the tracks.

"I made it clear several times that I requested the butt (tapered) joint to be installed along both sides of (the) track and the area between the end of sidewalks and the track (four corners) because it could be a tripping hazard, and I was informed that the work would be completed as requested," the engineer said.

But the engineer said the contractor did not follow through.

The lawyer for contractor John Burns Construction said in an email to the board that no such conversation occurred with the engineer.

A day after the crash, lawyer Steve Jambois, who represents Lopez's family, said construction at the intersection may have caused problems.

In a statement to Patch at the time, a Clarendon Hills official said blaming the local project for the train crash was "pure conjecture."

After the crash, Clarendon Hills said the project was the state Department of Transportation's, while the department said it was the village's.