Lake County Gazette

The Village of Vernon Hills is preparing to apply for a Safe Routes to School grant aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety at crosswalks, particularly for students commuting to school.

According to a video from the Village Board's meeting on July 22, Director of Public Works Christopher Venatta informed the board about the biennial Safe Routes to School grant. The application period this year runs from August to October, with a potential award of up to $250,000. This grant targets projects within two miles of schools that focus on improving school safety. Local school districts have expressed strong support for the village's efforts to secure the grant and make necessary improvements.

Venatta explained that CivilTech Engineering of Itasca conducted a study on three specific intersections: Aspen Drive at Hawthorn South Elementary School, Fairway Drive at Cougar Way, and Fairway Drive at Nike Parkway. The consultant's objective was to develop a crosswalk policy as guidance for the Engineering Department and assess several intersections near schools for potential pedestrian safety enhancements.

CivilTech Engineering proposed creating new medians or extending existing ones at these intersections to provide students with a safe refuge while crossing streets. Pedestrians could pause on the median after crossing one lane before safely crossing another if needed. Implementing medians would also narrow turn lanes, thereby slowing traffic. Additionally, reducing driveway widths without hindering school bus maneuvers could further control traffic flow.

The estimated costs for these intersection improvements are $160,000 for Aspen @ Hawthorn South Elementary, $190,000 for Fairway and Cougar Way, and $280,000 for Fairway and Nike Parkway. Venatta noted that if awarded the grant, the village would not be required to provide matching funds.

Venatta said that traffic volumes and crash data collected at these intersections did not warrant the installation of flashing lights or traffic signals.