Army Trail crossing closed for repairs in Bloomingdale

Commuters are finding their way through Bloomingdale, even though a portion of Army Trail Road will be closed through the end of the week, officials said.

The Canadian National Railway is making repairs at the grade crossing, just west of Gary Avenue on Army Trail, forcing the crossing to close through roughly 6 p.m. Saturday.

Spokesman Patrick Waldron said the "road surface across the tracks is being replaced."

Army Trail Road will remain open on either side of the railroad crossing but the actual crossing is closed.

Bloomingdale Assistant Village Engineer Robert Prohaska said he spent time monitoring traffic Monday morning at the intersection and most motorists already have figured it out.

"Signs have been posted, announcing the closing for more than a week, so people have known to expect the road to be closed and find alternatives," Prohaska said. "And it seems to have worked. We're noticing traffic on other roads, but that's to be expected as people navigate the detours to see what works best for them."

Prohaska said businesses along Army Trail Road will remain accessible using the posted detour routes of either Schick or Lies roads to get to County Farm Road.

"Stick to those roads and you'll get wherever you need to go," he said.

A resurfacing project on Army Trail Road, far west of the crossing, also may inadvertently be causing drivers to head to the detours

"We've learned that some people have been diverting because of that other project that started before the crossing closure and will end after the rail closure reopens," Prohaska said. "That's also been helpful in keeping traffic from growing too heavy closer to the crossing."