West Chicago resident urges safety upgrades at Great Western Trail crossing on County Farm Road

Jessica Terrace, a West Chicago resident, told the DuPage County Transportation Committee on Dec. 2 that the crossing of the Great Western Trail at County Farm Road south of Saint Charles Road is unsafe and needs changes to protect trail users.

"I would like to advocate that we move forward to do something to help increase the safety of that crossing for the trail users," Terrace said during the public‑comment period, pointing to the four‑lane roadway and frequent speeding.

Her comment came during a meeting that otherwise focused on routine procurements and intergovernmental agreements. Terrace said she was not opposing the items on the agenda but asked the committee to spend money to improve the crossing, suggesting a pedestrian‑activated light or other traffic‑calming measures.

Committee staff acknowledged prior study and improvements at the intersection. Steve (transportation staff) said a study and partial reconfiguration had been completed about two years earlier, including a raised median and enhanced signing, and that the county is continuing to evaluate the location for "further improvements" and that it is "understudy for a potential traffic signal installation."

Member Colbert also raised related questions about O'Hare noise‑compatibility work and mitigation efforts, and staff noted ongoing programs such as insulation and window improvement initiatives carried by the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, though a concrete timeline for home improvements was not provided.

The committee did not take formal action on Terrace's request during the Dec. 2 meeting; staff described the crossing as under evaluation for possible future changes.