Pedestrian Safety Improvements on Main Street near North High begin July 29

To improve pedestrian safety in the area surrounding Downers Grove North High School, construction on Main Street will begin the week of July 29th and is expected to be completed by the end of October. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is funding the majority of the project intended to calm vehicular traffic and promote pedestrian safety. Improvements will include:

• Converting four travel lanes to three from Sherman to Franklin Streets 
• Creating pedestrian “refuge islands” 
• Installing curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances
• Painting the crosswalk at the school’s Main Street entrance  

Although the Village of Downers Grove and District 99 worked to ensure the project was completed before school started, IDOT is managing the schedule and has advised that construction will take place from August to October. Every effort will be made to minimize the impact on students, staff and community members entering and exiting the school building. 

“In a vibrant community like Downers Grove, walkability, rideability, drivability and connected neighborhoods are desirable attributes and the reasons why the Village takes pedestrian, bike and traffic safety seriously, " said Mayor Bob Barnett. 

“We welcome these changes that are aimed to improve the safety of our students,” said Dr. Hank Thiele, superintendent of Community High School District 99, which includes Downers Grove North High School, Downers Grove South High School and the Transition 99 Center. “We appreciate the work of the Village of Downers Grove and IDOT, as well as their detailed plans to ensure that the area is safe for everyone throughout the duration of the project.”

In 2019, the Village of Downers Grove and District 99 worked collaboratively to review pedestrian safety on the roadways surrounding schools, and community engagement forums were held to solicit feedback. A pedestrian safety expert developed recommendations to improve safety that align with industry best standards. 

In 2021, a traffic signal was installed at Springside Avenue in Downers Grove for pedestrians and students at Downers Grove South High School to cross 63rd Street safely. In addition, the crosswalks at Dunham Road and Norfolk Street were painted and marked for higher visibility of both vehicles and pedestrians.