Simple solution to Elgin traffic problem is not so simple

The project to add a left-turn lane at Wing and State Streets in Elgin has caused plenty of traffic back ups this year.

It will probably cause more headaches now that Wing is closed at the railroad crossing for the next two months.

But city officials says don't blame them if you're stuck at a red light on State even though there are no cars around and it's impossible for traffic to come from Wing Street.

Can't Elgin just make the light green until Wing is opened up again?

That would keep traffic moving, save gas, help the environment, etc., right?

"As simple as that appears to be, we can't do it," explained David Lawry, Elgin's general services manager.

According to Lawry, that control over the traffic signal falls to the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Commerce Commission.

And, the state has said "no," Lawry said.

Lawry said city officials have asked the ICC to give Elgin permission to put burlap bags over the traffic lights.

"We have an intersection that's not an intersection," said Joe Evers, Elgin city engineer.

No word back was received as of press time.

Gotta love government and bureaucracy, right?

Vote late, often: 5 p.m. on Wednesday is the deadline to vote on your favorite rain barrel as part of Elgin's "Rain Barrels on Parade," which is part community art project, part awareness initiative and a creative outlet for some 46 area groups.

The 75-gallon plastic barrels help decrease the use of tap water, reduce stress of rainwater runoff on creeks and rivers and stop pesticides and fertilizers from entering rivers and streams.

The barrels were placed at strategic locations around town until July 15, when they came back to the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

Go to gailborden.info to vote.

The top 15 barrels will be auctioned off at 1 p.m. Aug. 1 as part of the city's FoxFireFest. The remainder will be part of a silent action.

"It's created quite an interest in the city. They really are works of art," said Elgin City Council member David Kaptain, who also noted that more than 7,000 votes have been cast so far.

Birthday wishes: OK, this is a little out of right field, but I'd like to extend birthday wishes to my mom, Francis Hitzeman of Naperville, who turns 60 years young today.

Thanks for everything, Mom!