Concerns about traffic speeds on two of La Grange’s busiest corridors—La Grange Road and Brainard Avenue—are drawing renewed attention from residents who say the streets can feel unsafe for pedestrians and neighborhood traffic.
Several residents have recently spoken during public comment at village meetings, urging officials to explore lowering speed limits and improving safety measures along the roads. Both corridors serve as key north–south routes through the community, carrying a mix of commuter traffic, local drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians traveling to schools, parks, and downtown businesses.
Among those raising concerns are longtime residents Mike and Bridget Murphy, who live near Brainard Avenue and have publicly called for additional safety measures along the street.
“Brainard has become a speedway at times,” Mike Murphy said during a recent public meeting. “People use it as a shortcut through town, and it’s frustrating when you see cars flying past homes where kids are playing and families are walking.”
Murphy said he has observed drivers exceeding the posted speed limit during both morning and evening rush hours. He said the problem is particularly noticeable when drivers try to avoid congestion on nearby La Grange Road.
Brainard Avenue connects several residential neighborhoods with downtown La Grange and nearby schools, meaning the street sees a steady flow of pedestrians throughout the day.
Bridget Murphy said the issue goes beyond inconvenience and has become a safety concern for residents.
“We walk our neighborhood every day,” she said. “You want to feel comfortable crossing the street or letting your kids ride their bikes. Right now, it doesn’t always feel that way.”
The Murphys have urged the village to consider options such as reduced speed limits, improved crosswalk markings, and other traffic-calming measures that could encourage drivers to slow down.
La Grange Road presents a different set of challenges. As a major regional roadway that runs through the village, the corridor carries significantly higher traffic volumes and is controlled in part by state transportation authorities.
Some residents say traffic speeds along La Grange Road can make crossing the street difficult, especially during peak travel times.
“It’s not just drivers going through town—it’s people trying to get to the train station, restaurants, and stores,” said another resident who spoke at the meeting. “When cars are moving too fast, it makes the whole area feel less walkable.”
Village officials acknowledged the concerns and said they are reviewing traffic data to better understand vehicle speeds and potential safety improvements.
Because La Grange Road is part of a state highway system, any major changes to speed limits would likely require coordination with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Brainard Avenue, however, falls more directly under local jurisdiction, which could allow the village to consider traffic-calming strategies more quickly.
Trustees said they plan to continue discussing the issue and evaluating whether additional safety measures may be warranted.
For residents like the Murphys, the goal is simple: slowing traffic enough to make the streets safer for the people who live there.
“We all understand that people need to get where they’re going,” Bridget Murphy said. “But these are neighborhood streets. They should feel safe for the community that lives here.”
