JOLIET, Ill. – To help ease local motorists’ commutes and improve roadway safety, state Rep. Larry Walsh Jr., D-Joliet, is sponsoring legislation urging the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect signs warning drivers of upcoming congestion on Interstate 80.
“Far too many motorists are being injured and killed along this stretch of Interstate 80 and action must be taken immediately to help save lives,” Walsh said. “Erecting signs along this stretch of roadway can give motorists enough time to slow down and hopefully reduce the number of accidents occurring.”
Walsh has introduced House Joint Resolution 30, which urges the Illinois Department of Transportation to erect signs warning drivers of congestion along Interstate 80 between the exits to I-55 in Joliet and Route 30 in New Lennox. The portion of I-80 between I-55 in Joliet and Route 30 in New Lennox has one on the highest accident rates of any similar stretch of road in Illinois. From January 2010 to July 2015, this corridor has seen a total of 1,456 automobile collisions.
IDOT is currently undertaking a study of a portion of I-80, which encompasses the stretch from I-55 to Route 30, to identify road deficiencies and safety concerns. Walsh believes signs should put in place as soon as possible to help prevent further accidents.
“Keeping stretch of highway safe and open is incredibly important to local families who drive it every day and businesses that use it to get their goods to market,” Walsh said. “I will continue working with IDOT to improve the safety on our area roadways.”
Rep Lawrence Walsh, Jr
(D-Joliet)
86th District
Springfield Office:
269-S Stratton Office Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-8090
(217) 558-4502 FAX
District Office:
121 Springfield Avenue
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 730-8600
(815) 730-8121 FAX