GPS-Caused Traffic Quirk In Western Springs

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – GPS navigation is being blamed for an "overwhelming" increase in traffic on a Western Springs residential street, police said Wednesday.

In a news release, the police department acknowledged receiving complaints about the jump in traffic on Hampton Avenue.

Police witnessed cars on eastbound Ogden turning south onto Hampton. The vehicles, including commercial ones, then pulled into driveways or made three-point turns and turned left back onto Ogden, ultimately to access Interstate 294, police said.

Officers spoke to several drivers, who reported their GPS systems directed them to exit I-294 onto Ogden Avenue. Hampton is the first street to turn around.

Police said they requested the Illinois Tollway submit an emergency request to solve the problem. It is believed to have been caused by the I-294 construction project and its various temporary ramp closures, police said.