Making S-curve safer starts with feasibility study

The S-curve underpass is hazardous and creates a major barrier to nonmotorized mobility in Des Plaines. While the proposed feasibility study will cost significant dollars, it's important to realize that no grant funding could even be requested for constructing a safe bike and pedestrian passage through the S-curve without first completing the feasibility study. Also, engineering accomplished as part of the feasibility study would constitute a down payment on an actual project.

Providing safe bike and pedestrian access to get through the S-curve location is important for Des Plaines' future development. Des Plaines City Council should focus on that future by approving the feasibility study, which will initiate progress.

The current underpass is very hazardous, and the barriers to moving north and west of downtown are large, stretching from Rand on the north to (effectively) Prairie Avenue on the south, and west to Wolf Road. Current bike and pedestrian users of the S-curve are at large risk of injury or death.

Des Plaines will benefit from a safe route through the S-curve underpass, due to significant value added to homes and communities to the north and west, such as the Cumberland area, the area around Chippewa Park, and the homes which are planned for the Littelfuse site. These areas are currently hindered from safe and convenient access to our downtown by bike or on foot.

It will help businesses in our downtown and give a lot of people the healthy, economical and environmentally responsible option of biking or walking to get around Des Plaines.

Wharton Sinkler

Des Plaines