BURBANK – State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative La Shawn Ford applauded the Illinois Department of Transportation’s implementation of a school speed zone on Ogden Avenue for La Grange and La Grange Park students.

“The new school speed zone serves as a testament to our commitment to protecting our younger generations,” said Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “I commend IDOT for their quick response to our residents’ concerns and remain dedicated to investing in the safety and wellbeing of our children.”

Ogden Avenue is highly dense, narrow and congested during school days when rush hour is at its peak. Previously, there were no operating restrictions for cars, semi-trucks, emergency vehicles, construction vehicles or wide-load carriers, even with residential neighborhoods abundant right off Ogden Avenue.

Moreover, Ashland Avenue to Gilbert Avenue is home to six schools. The road formerly employed a 30 mile-per-hour speed limit, leading to numerous safety concerns for students. With the school speed zone implemented, the road now has a 20 mile-per-hour speed limit during school days when children are present.

“Let this initiative serve as a shining example that we need not wait for a tragedy to catalyze essential changes for the safety and security of our community,” said Ford (D-Chicago). “I urge IDOT to visit all its state-run highways near parks and schools to add this same protection across the state.”

“Pedestrian safety, especially the safety of our school children, is one of the Village Board's top priorities,” said La Grange Village President Mark Kuchler. “I appreciate the efforts of La Grange resident Kristopher Serra, State Senator Mike Porfirio and State Representative La Shawn Ford. Kris initiated the idea of changing the speed limit on Ogden Avenue and Representative Ford and Senator Porfirio worked closely with IDOT to have Ogden Avenue declared a school zone. The reduced speed will definitely make the area safer for our school children.”

For more information, visit the Village of LaGrange’s website.