Turn lane planned for Fabyan at Van Nortwick

Turning left from Fabyan Parkway onto Van Nortwick Avenue in Batavia could become a safer proposition next year, as Kane County plans to add a left-turn lane.

The proposal is the topic of a public meeting from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8 at the Batavia Government Center, 100 N. Island Ave. Representatives from the Kane County transportation department will be available to answer questions and will make a presentation at 7 p.m.

Nearly 27,000 vehicles pass by Van Nortwick daily on Fabyan, split almost evenly between east- and westbound traffic on the four-lane road which has a 40 mph speed limit.

Van Nortwick is considered an arterial street, because it connects Fabyan to Main Street and there is an elementary school along the street.

From 2001 through 2007, at least 35 accidents were reported at the intersection, including one fatal one, according to county data. The majority were rear-end crashes.

"It (a turn lane) gives that motorist a refuge to turn left without being hit from behind," said Paul Holcum, KDOT's design chief.

The county is wrapping up the first phase of design work. It hopes to hire an engineer and get formal plan finished by the end of the year, and do the work next year.

It is expected to cost about $1.1 million. Fabyan will be widened about 6 feet to make room for the additional lane which will run from Route 31 to Western Avenue.