Elk Grove Village digs out: About 100 cars stranded on Busse Road

Mayor Craig Johnson was in a good mood by midafternoon Wednesday, despite Elk Grove Village’s very long night during Tuesday’s storm.

The village’s snow removal was slowed when it had to deal with 100 cars stranded on Busse Road near Oakton Street, Johnson said.

Businesses on Busse (Route 83) let their second shift employees go home early, and they ran into the heart of the storm, said the mayor.

“Busse Road was quite a surprise to us,” the mayor said.

He said they sent fire trucks and plows to pick up stranded motorists, from 10-11 p.m. These people were taken to Elk Grove Village Hall, which was operating as a warming center, and to local hotels.

The last of the cars were being towed just before 3 p.m. Wednesday, he said.

And when police cars, fire trucks and ambulances themselves started getting stuck in snowdrifts, the village began pairing snow plows with emergency vehicles. That slowed up the plowing process but assured the emergency crews got to their destinations, Johnson said.

“We appreciate the patience of our residents, but we put life safety ahead of snow removal,” said Johnson. “And I am very proud of all our staff.”

Johnson declared a state of emergency, asking residents to stay off the streets, and said it was very helpful that many businesses did not open today.

He was pleased, however, that both the Dominick’s and Jewel at Arlington Heights and Biesterfield roads opened, and he was impressed to see people walking down major streets this morning to get to them.

He also commended Alexian Brothers Medical Center for keeping its staff at the hospital overnight.

The 22 inches of snow that fell should be removed from village streets by late tonight, said Johnson, earlier than previous expectations.