DeLuca Highlights Safety at Railroad Crossings in Chicago Heights

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Anthony Deluca, D-Chicago Heights, has been working with local officials, including Chicago Heights Mayor Daniel Gonzalez to reduce the number of accidents and injuries that occur the railroad crossing on 17^th street, in-between Hasted Street and End Avenue.

“A Public Safety issue like this is a priority issue for me,” Deluca said. “From 2012-2016 this one location has had over 30 accidents and 6 injuries occurred.”

The main concern is that though the railroad crossing in question is located on a side street, it sees large numbers of foot traffic coming from a nearby senior home as well as young children who have to use the crossing to get to school and back. Deluca has taken action by reaching out to Illinois Transportation Secretary Blackthorn to request $250,000 in emergency funding to immediately start the building safety improvements at, and around the crossing. This construction project is projected to cost $600,000, which the City of Chicago Heights expects to cover.

“For a project this size, myself and my office are coordinating with the Mayor and City Council of Chicago Heights,” Deluca said. “Because the safety of our children and seniors are of the utmost importance to everyone involved.”