Western Springs Safety Fix Planned For Fall

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – A safety improvement for Western Springs' West Underpass is expected to happen in the fall, officials said this week.

Residents have been expressing concerns about bicyclists and pedestrians exiting from the underpass' south side, onto Burlington Avenue.

At Monday's Village Board meeting, a mother of two called the underpass "beautiful," but worried about her children's safety.

Officials noted the board has approved a raised crosswalk west of the underpass to Spring Rock Park across the street. A sidewalk will be built on the other side of the crosswalk to connect to an existing one at the park, they said.

A raised crosswalk is considered a traffic-calming measure. It is built to the level of sidewalks, with gentle slopes for drivers.

"It's definitely coming, and it's something we're excited about having there," Village Manager Ellen Baer said.