Signal coming early at Route 59, Champion Road in Naperville

An intersection that neighbors have called a crash concern along the Naperville/Plainfield border is set to receive a traffic signal sooner than expected.

Champion Road at Route 59 had been on the Illinois Department of Transportation schedule for traffic signal installation in 2022.

But IDOT recently informed the city of Naperville and the village of Plainfield the project has been accelerated. Now it's set to move forward later this year, with an anticipated review of bids from contractors who could build the signal expected in September.

The intersection has been a concern since at least 2014, when residents of south Naperville's South Pointe subdivision expressed worries about safety. IDOT studied the intersection, where a street collecting traffic from large residential areas on each side of Route 59 connects with the busy state road. The state determined the intersection meets criteria to have a traffic signal.

Meanwhile, police from both Plainfield and Naperville have responded to left-turn crashes at Route 59 and Champion, and residents have continued to bring it up during discussions about potential housing development in the area.

The new traffic signal is anticipated to cost $1.2 million, with payment split among funds from the federal government, IDOT, the city of Naperville and the village of Plainfield. Naperville's share is estimated to be $24,150.

The city council is set to discuss the signal installation during its meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday via Zoom. Members will consider approval of an intergovernmental agreement with IDOT to spell out the cost-sharing plan.