Politics & Government

Kaylah's Mom Goes Before Traffic Review Committee on Aug. 2

Family of Kaylah Lentine, 14, who died of her injuries after being hit by a pick-up truck at the intersection of Southwest Highway and Cicero Avenue in May, will ask the Oak Lawn Traffic Review Committee to support making safety modifications to corner.

 

The mother of a after she had missed the morning school bus on May 24, is set to go before the traffic review committee on Thursday.

Although the accident is still under police investigation, Krista Wilkinson

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The driver of the pick-up truck that struck the Oak Lawn-Hometown Middle School student has not been charged.

to update the corner to make it safer for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.

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The intersection of Southwest Highway and Cicero Avenue is the only corner between 79th and 115th Streets that does not have a pedestrian crossing signal, according to Active Transportation Alliance.

The transportation advocacy group works with communities to develop safer and more walkable communities, has compiled a list of recommendations to modify the intersection.

ActiveTrans has proposed the following safety modifications:

Proposed modifications for the Cicero Avenue and Southwest Highway intersection include:

  • 8 new zebra style crosswalks;
  • 8 pedestrian signals with countdown timers;
  • 2 new pedestrian islands;
  • 12 truncated domes and
  • 12 ADA-compliant curb ramps.

Wilkinson said she has gathered 350 signatures from Oak Lawn and Hometown residents, as well as 2,000 signatures on online petition at change.org.

Wilkinson and her family will present those recommendations to the Oak Lawn Traffic Review Committee on Aug. 2.

Trustee Alex Olejniczak (Dist. 2) who supports the safety modifications, said he welcomed the traffic review committee’s independent review.

“I’m so passionate about making sure that we do the right thing for the family that I look forward to the committee's extra eyes and discussion,” Olejniczak said.

The Oak Lawn Traffic Review Committee meets at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, at Village Hall, 9466 S. Raymond Ave. The meeting is open to the public.


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