Safety Upgrades Coming to Nagle Avenue After Tragic Death at Crossing

Norwood Park: Recently, a white van made a risky move at the Metra tracks on Nagle Avenue. It zoomed across just before a train came, missing the crossing gate by a hair. This close call happened just days after a tragic accident where a woman was killed after driving through the gates while they were down.

The Nagle crossing has seen its fair share of accidents over the years. Neighbors and local leaders have pointed out that poor visibility and heavy traffic make it a dangerous spot.

State officials are finally stepping up to make changes. They plan to install better crossing gates that will prevent drivers and pedestrians from trying to sneak around them.

The recent fatality involved 69-year-old Lorene Wilson, who drove past the gates and was struck by a train. Sadly, this was the fourth death at this crossing in the last 15 years, with a total of 11 incidents reported.

In the past, there have been several serious accidents, including one in 2021 where a rideshare driver was killed. Local residents have expressed their concerns for years, noting the chaotic traffic patterns and the tendency for drivers to stop on the tracks.

Mary Kearney, a nearby resident, mentioned that the gates are often too short, making it easy for drivers to miss them. With Taft High School just a few blocks away, many students cross here daily, raising safety concerns.

Alderman Anthony Napolitano has been advocating for improvements for nearly a decade. After the latest tragedy, he was assured that action would be taken.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is working on an agreement to install four quadrant gates at the crossing, which would fully block the tracks and help prevent accidents. The project is expected to cost around $2.14 million, funded through a state program.

While the city and Union Pacific Railroad have 60 days to finalize the agreement, the gates should be installed by June 2027, though officials hope to complete the work sooner.

Local civil engineer Curtis Cornwell, who lives nearby, believes these new gates will make a significant difference. He’s eager for improvements, especially with his son attending Taft High School.

However, some residents, like Kearney, feel that waiting two years is too long. She suggests temporary solutions like extending the gates or adding more lights and alarms to enhance safety in the meantime.

The community is anxious to see changes and hopes that no more accidents occur before the upgrades are made.