La Grange Road Traffic Safety Improvements

La Grange Road Speed Limit Reduction

In July 2024, the Village formally requested that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reduce the posted speed limit on La Grange Road from 30 mph to 25 mph as part of the Village’s “Take 5” initiative. IDOT approved the request in early November 2025 and implemented the new 25 mph limit on November 12, 2025. This change represents a meaningful safety improvement for this key Village corridor. Lower travel speeds reduce crash severity, create a more comfortable environment for those walking and biking in the area, and align with the long-term goals of the La Grange Road Traffic Safety Improvements project. 

La Grange Road Traffic Safety Improvements – Preliminary Planning & Engineering

The Village of La Grange Park is actively working to improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity along the La Grange Road corridor. As part of this effort, the Village has partnered with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. to lead the Phase I Preliminary Engineering for the La Grange Road Traffic Safety Improvements Project. Traffic safety improvements were recommended as part of the Village Market Streetscape Improvement Plan.  This initiative is supported by a $175,000 Invest in Cook grant from Cook County.

During this phase, the Village is working closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to evaluate a range of design concepts and identify solutions that align with IDOT traffic engineering standards and community feedback. Because La Grange Road is under IDOT jurisdiction, all proposed improvements must ultimately be reviewed and approved by IDOT. At this stage, it is not yet known which elements IDOT will allow or consider based on their technical requirements and engineering standards.

Community input will play a critical role in shaping the final project scope. Resident and stakeholder feedback—particularly from those who live, work, or travel along La Grange Road, as well as those who enjoy and rely on Memorial Park and its amenities—will help ensure the project reflects community needs and priorities. The Village is especially committed to engaging with the Community Park District and nearby residents to understand how potential improvements may impact park access and safety. All concepts remain preliminary and are subject to refinement as the engineering study progresses and additional public input is received.

At the June 10, 2025 meeting, the Village Board approved an expansion of the study area to include the Oak Avenue intersection. This update extends the study area north of Woodlawn Avenue and addresses community feedback calling for improved safety and access near the Village Market. The expanded scope includes additional data collection, crash analysis, and evaluation of intersection alternatives. The larger study area will allow the Village to comprehensively evaluate corridor-wide improvements while avoiding duplication of effort later in the project timeline.

Preliminary Design Concepts Under Consideration

Richmond Avenue to Homestead Road:

• Median Conversion: A concept under study involves replacing the existing striped median south of the Homestead/La Grange Road intersection with a raised, landscaped median. This would create a pedestrian refuge island aligned with the PACE bus stop to improve pedestrian safety and visibility.
• Signal Timing Improvements: The Village is exploring adjustments to the existing traffic signal timing at Homestead/La Grange Road, including the addition of a Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) to give pedestrians a head start when crossing.

Homestead Road to Woodlawn Avenue:

• Intersection Design Study (IDS): A preliminary study is underway to explore the feasibility of installing a full traffic signal or an Emergency Vehicle Preemption (EVP)-activated signal at the Woodlawn/La Grange Road intersection. The primary goal of this study is to improve pedestrian safety by creating a controlled crossing to and from Memorial Park, a key community destination. In addition, a signal at this location would support emergency vehicle access to La Grange Road while maintaining access to the Village Market shopping center. The study also includes evaluating the realignment of the east and west legs of the intersection to enhance overall geometry and traffic flow.
• Roadway Widening and Pedestrian Refuge: Another concept under consideration includes widening the roadway between Homestead and Woodlawn to accommodate a raised median and pedestrian refuge island on the north side of the Woodlawn intersection for the purpose of further enhancing crossing safety and walkability.

All of these potential improvements are being evaluated in coordination with IDOT and are subject to change based on engineering analysis, community feedback, and regulatory review.

Community Engagement

La Grange Road Traffic Safety Improvements – Public Kickoff Event & Community Survey
The Village and Kimley-Horn hosted a public open house for the La Grange Road Traffic Safety Improvements Project on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at the La Grange Park Public Library. Attendees shared feedback to help shape a safer, more walkable corridor through an interactive discussion.

An online community survey was launched after the event to collect additional input to help the project team understand the issues to be addressed. A summary of community engagement and feedback can be found here. A follow-up public meeting is planned for early 2026 to present refined concepts and continue community dialogue regarding the project. 

Residents are encouraged to share observations about travel conditions, pedestrian and bicyclist activity, or any other safety concerns along the corridor by submitting written comments to the Village. Community feedback will continue to guide ongoing coordination with IDOT and support the Village’s broader efforts to improve mobility, comfort, and safety on La Grange Road.