Transportation Committee Chairman applauds signal upgrades

GENEVA – Kane County Transportation Committee Chairman Jan Carlson on Monday applauded the county and state Transportation Departments for working together to expedite installation of a four-way stop at an intersection where three fatal crashes have occurred in just six months.

Speaking at a Transportation Committee meeting, Carlson noted that the recently-installed stops and flashing signals will increase safety for residents until more extensive intersection improvements are implemented at the corner of Meredith Road and IL-38 in Virgil Township .

“This is an urgent matter of public safety, and I appreciate the state promptly working with our county staff to prevent any more accidents,” said Carlson, who represents County Board District 26, where the intersection is located. “This is an illustration of how various levels of government should work closely together to serve the needs of their constituents.”

Following an initial fatality this summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation began working with the Kane County Board, Kane County Division of Transportation, Kaneland Community Unit School District 302 and other government agencies to improve safety at the location. Initial steps included warning signs and flashing signals.

Kane County requested that the state expedite further safety measures after additional accidents occurred at the location. The Illinois Department of Transportation has responded by installing a full four-way stop and an overhead all-way flashing red signal. The new improvements will increase safety until engineering is completed to install a permanent traffic signal and turn lanes.

“ Kane County residents are safer today because of these efforts,” Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay said. “We will continue to monitor the impact of the all-way stop, and push to ensure that long-term solutions are implemented on the earliest possible timeline.”