Survivors working to upgrade safety at Lake Forest Metra station

Friends and family still grieving the loss of Grayslake resident Traci Spradlin are working to improve pedestrian safety at the Lake Forest Metra Train Station where she was killed last month.

Jason King, Spradlin's fiance, said Metra officials already have agreed to close a crosswalk at the Telegraph Road station, forcing pedestrians to reach the east platform from a path further north. The crosswalk, which connects the train station to the east platform, has in the past been criticized as being dangerous.

Spradlin, 43, was killed Dec. 10 when she was hit by a speeding Amtrak train as she raced across that crosswalk. Spradlin thought the Amtrak was a Metra train that would stop at the station.

It was the second death under the same circumstance at the station. In February 2008, Jean McNeill, 51, of Round Lake, was killed by a speeding Amtrak while crossing in front of what she thought was a slowing Metra train.

"I am encouraged (Lake Forest officials) are taking this step and I would encourage (them) to consider any and all options in an effort to improve the safety of pedestrians at rail stations," King said.

Metra spokesman Tom Miller said in the name of safety, the crosswalk located right outside the train station door will be removed on Jan. 30. Commuters looking to get to the east platform will need to use a crosswalk located further north.

Lake Forest City Manager Bob Kiely said board commissioners signed an agreement Tuesday to work with Amtrak, Metra and any other government bodies to explore other options for improving passenger and motorist safety at the station.

Kiely added the city is also looking for Amtrak to establish a stop in Lake Forest that could serve residents of Lake County.

"We have been working with Amtrak for about 18 months to establish a stop in Lake County," he said. "Hopefully, all the agencies will work collaboratively to improve safety at the Telegraph Road station."

King said he was encouraged at the initial steps taken, but feels more needs to be done.

"There needs to be a permanent solution in place before another tragedy occurs," King said. "Removing the crosswalk is a start, but there needs to be verbal warnings for Amtrak and freight trains on that line. No one knows when an Amtrak or freight is going to roar through there."