Steps taken to decrease risk at dangerous intersection

A traffic light at Route 38 and Meredith Road in Virgil Township -- the site of a fatal accident this summer -- is at least a few years off.

But in the meantime, the Illinois Department of Transportation plans to install flashing yellow lights along Route 38 and signs on Meredith reading "Cross traffic does not stop."

"It's another accident waiting to happen," said Tom Runty, the Kaneland school district's assistant superintendent for business.

The intersection is about a mile north of the high school. It's a particularly dangerous spot for bus drivers and student drivers to maneuver because of limited visibility to the west, Runty said.

"It's really heavy traffic, and it travels fast," he said.

St. Charles police officer Vaughn Olson died last month after a July accident at the intersection. He was riding with officer Michael Griesbaum, who said he was driving on Route 38 and swerved to avoid a car on Meredith. His minivan hit a car with two Kaneland graduates in it.

After receiving the request from the district, IDOT officials said the intersection warranted a traffic light because of its high traffic volume and accident history.

But there's no funding available until at least the 2009 fiscal year budget. In the meantime, the yellow lights and signs will be installed.

Earlier this week, the Kane County Board's transportation committee approved drafting a letter to the state urging the signal to be a priority.

"We'll probably save a life or two," said Mike Kenyon, a South Elgin Republican.