Weeks before school started, the intersection in front of DGN began construction. Lane closures and missing sidewalks slowed traffic and left Main Street without a crosswalk just days before the first day of school. A Parent Square message on July 27 revealed that the construction would reduce the number of travel lanes from four to three between the streets of Sherman to Lincoln. Curb extensions will also be installed, along with a few other changes.
“The improvements should provide an additional safety feature for the Main Street intersection,” School Resource Officer Eric Mason said. “For example, shortening the actual crossing footage length. Furthermore, it would be preferable and practical for students and staff to be able to cross the intersection, in its entirety, prior to the time expiring.”
Discussions of the project began in 2019 with a collaboration between the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Village of Downers Grove. Although District 99 is not directly involved, they are informed as a courtesy. Associate Principal Ken Sorensen and Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds Michelle Cannan correspond with IDOT and The Village of Downers Grove regularly.
“The goals of the project are to reduce the number of crashes along the Main Street corridor and improve pedestrian safety,” Director of Engineering for the Village of Downers Grove Scott Vasko said. “Some of the improvements include curb bump outs to shorten crossing distances for pedestrians, dedicated left turn lanes to reduce accidents and improve traffic flow along Main Street. Improvements also include a bike lane and pedestrian lighting.”
IDOT selected these improvements after conducting a study on the traffic patterns at the Main Street intersection, as well as other areas around the school.
“Sherman Street by the tennis courts is where it will start to be reduced into one lane. There will be a striped median just to keep the intersection two lanes. The one lanes will remain until Lincoln Street or Prairie street,” Sorensen said.
The Parent Square message informing the DGN community of the changes states that there would be pedestrian refugee islands. However, the division will only be painted stripes, nothing will be raised.
“In my office, I can see cars stopping in front of main to drop off kids. They might not think that’s an issue because there is two lanes and other people can still pass by. I’m hoping that people will be less likely to stop and drop off because that is pretty dangerous.” Sorensen said, “I just hope it really forces people to slow down. If you have one lane and a person is obeying the speed limit, it will force all the people behind them to obey the speed limit too. And that would be great.”
Aside from being in contact with those in charge of the project, Sorensen is familiar with issues at the intersection because of his office that overlooks the main street intersection.
“I see benefits to this and it is going to be one of those things that when it is all done, we will see. I’m hopeful that this will make a positive difference,” Sorensen said.
Students, however, have their own opinions about the construction, as they are the ones who regularly drive in it. The main street parking lot, the primary parking lot for DGN students, is amid the active construction zone.
“The construction at Main Street is incredibly frustrating,” senior Carsten Lange said. “The fact that it is being done in front of a school causes a lot of traffic during busy hours. Also, the timing of the project does not consider the routines of students. The delays are driving everyone crazy.”
As with any big project, people have varying opinions. The construction might have temporary difficulties for students but should be pleased with the end result and student-friendly improvements.
