DuPage exploring ways to make Route 83 corridor safer for pedestrians

There are plenty of trails and paths for people wanting to walk or bike on either side of Route 83 in Bensenville, Wood Dale, Addison, Villa Park and Elmhurst.

But getting safely across Route 83 is another matter.

"If I had a dime for every time somebody used the phrase 'taking your life into your own hands' when asked about getting across 83, I'd certainly have a lot of dimes," said Michael Blue, a consultant helping DuPage County officials create a master plan for the corridor.

Making the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists is one goal of the plan for the Route 83 corridor, which runs from Devon Avenue in Bensenville to St. Charles Road in Elmhurst.

The plan will address issues and opportunities related to land use and transportation along Route 83, officials said. It will focus on the future of unincorporated areas "but do so in a way that reflects the needs and goals of property owners and adjacent communities."

On Tuesday, members of the DuPage County Board's development committee heard an update about the process.

Blue said nearly 100 people participated in open houses last month in Elmhurst and Bensenville. In addition, roughly 50 comments have been submitted online.

Residents have expressed concerns about a number of issues, including traffic congestion and intersection safety. Some said pedestrians feel unsafe crossing the busy road.

Blue said Route 83 is used by an estimated 60,000 cars and up to 11,000 trucks each day.

"It's part of being near the airport," he said. "It's part of the industry that's in the area. I don't know that we're going to change that."

So while there are trails and paths that run north and south, Blue said Route 83 presents a barrier to east-west connections.

"It's something we'll wrestle with," Blue said.

One suggestion could be to construct pedestrian bridges.

As part of the overall plan, officials will examine potential for development. County officials have said they believe the corridor has potential because of Route 390 (formerly the Elgin-O'Hare Expressway) and future western access to O'Hare International Airport.

"Route 83 is a vital resource to the county and communities in terms of commerce," Blue said. "It brings a lot of business. It brings a lot of customers."

Blue said municipalities are open to annexing the unincorporated areas within the corridor. Those areas mostly have residential properties that are expected to remain residential.

For details about the plan, visit PlanRoute83.org.