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Itasca approves RTA‑funded pedestrian‑activated beacons at two Irving Park Road crossings
Summary
The village approved an intergovernmental agreement with the RTA to install pedestrian‑activated flashing beacons at South Maple and Irving/Rush crossings; funding was described as 80% federal ($167,000), 10% RTA ($20,900) and 10% local ($20,900).
The Itasca Village Board voted Oct. 7 to accept an intergovernmental agreement with the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to fund pedestrian‑activated flashing beacons at two crossings on Irving Park Road.
Trustee Leahy described the project as placing pedestrian‑activated rectangular flashing beacons — activated by a push button — to increase visibility for motorists at crossings near South Maple (south of the train depot) and at Irving and Rush near the Park District. “These flashing beacons will be pedestrian activated and will be far more prominent,” Leahy said while reviewing the funding terms.
Staff explained the devices will flash to alert drivers rather than stop traffic. Mark (public works) said the beacons will be installed within the sidewalk area on each side of Irving Park Road and not as an overhead hanging signal, noting state‑road restrictions on overhead elements unless at a light.
Funding for phase 2 (engineering, construction and construction engineering) was described in meeting discussion as 80% federal funding (reported as $167,000), with the remaining 20% split between the RTA (10%, $20,900) and the village local match (10%, $20,900). Trustee Leahy moved to accept the IGA and the board approved the measure by roll call.
The project will proceed to design and construction once final agreements and schedules are coordinated with RTA, village engineering and public‑works staff. Specific installation timing and traffic‑control plans will be set during the construction engineering phase.
