The Edward Hospital Athletic & Event Center and the Uptown Square Development continue to bring in tens of thousands of visitors each year to the area. The attendees often utilize local businesses, including those on the east side of Route 53. Given that Route 53 is under the jurisdiction of the State of Illinois, village officials met with IDOT to seek options for improved pedestrian access along the highway.    

Mayor Noak, Senator Pat McGuire, and State Representative John Connor met with IDOT regarding the need for intersection improvements at the corner of Normantown Road and Route 53. As a follow up, IDOT has notified the village that they have included Phase One of the project in their five-year plan, which includes preliminary engineering and environmental studies. Although it may take some time for the permanent crosswalk to be included in IDOT’s construction plan, the Village of Romeoville designed a temporary solution that IDOT will include with their resurfacing project that will be completed this Summer. This temporary project will include a crosswalk and appropriate signals for the intersection. IDOT has notified Romeoville that they have approved their temporary improvements for the upcoming construction season.

“Improving pedestrian access for this intersection has been a priority for our community,” stated Mayor Noak. “We are grateful for the cooperation of Senator McGuire and Representative Connor along with IDOT officials in assisting us to get this project underway.” 

The temporary pedestrian improvements at Route 53 and Normantown Road are tentatively planned for Summer 2019. The scope and timeline for the permanent solution will be announced by IDOT after the Phase One engineering of the intersection is concluded.