Published: November 03, 2009 06:51 pm      

Our View: Ready for roads to open

After the ribbon cutting for the new interchange and the reopening of Veterans Memorial Drive and South 42nd Street, residents were excited to be able to use the new roadways.

However, the Illinois Department of Transportation kept the areas closed to allow time for striping of the new Veterans Memorial Drive, South 42nd Street intersection. The interchange opening has been delayed due to missing parts for the lights.

The first responsibility of IDOT is to ensure safety. The delay has been a result of following through with the responsibility to keep motorists safe.

Mayor Mary Jane Chesley as well as IDOT officials have said with the good weather this week, the striping should be complete and Veterans Memorial Drive and South 42nd Street are expected to be open by the end of the week. Crews were on hand Monday and Tuesday sweeping the roadway and curbs in preparation for the painting of the stripes.

We look forward to being able to use the roadways along with the rest of the community.

It’s sure to be worth the wait.