A cap over the Eisenhower Expressway moved a step closer to reality with $4.8 million in federal funding approved by Congress for preliminary engineering of a plan to cover all or part of the Ike corridor through Oak Park. Funding for continuing the Ike project was part of a bill that authorized nearly $300 billion in transportation funding over the next six years to build and fix roads, and fund transportation safety and public transportation projects across the country. Village officials credited U.S. Rep. Danny K. Davis and U.S. Senators Richard J. Durbin and Barack Obama for their leadership in making sure Oak Park interests were represented in the final bill. Three variations on a cap concept based on cost have been developed, an approach intended to accommodate various levels of potential funding that may be available by the time the Eisenhower Expressway is reconstructed in an estimated six to 10 years. All three variations incorporate features identified through an extensive public process and approved by the Village earlier this year. Also included in the federal legislation is $150,000 for local street improvements secured with the assistance of Illinois Sen. Don Harmon. These funds likely will go toward a major resurfacing project planned next year on Augusta Avenue between Ridgeland and Oak Park avenues. The project will improve the road surface for bicyclists who travel the Grand Illinois Trail, which comes through Oak Park along Augusta. For more information on the proposed Ike Cap, visit www.captheikestudy.com. For information on street improvements call 358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.

Residents with concerns about a potential Eisenhower Expressway expansion are urged to participate in a public meeting being held by the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 13, at the Elmhurst City Hall, 209 N. York St. This is a critical time for RTA to hear from Oak Parkers to ensure that transit options such as a western extension of the CTA Blue Line are given full consideration. Anyone unable to attend the meeting may send comments to the RTA by email to ryanm@rtachicago.org or by writing to Michelle Ryan, Corridor Planning, RTA Administrative Offices, 175 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1550, Chicago, IL 60604. The draft executive summary and draft report are posted online at www.rtachicago.com/business/planning.asp.

With the new school year now underway, Oak Park police have stepped up their presence to ensure student safety. Police are focusing additional enforcement efforts on key crossings and walking routes to protect the many students who typically trek along Oak Park streets en route to their neighborhood schools. Urging motorists driving in school zones to stay focused, police hope drivers will avoid distractions like talking on cell phones. Coming to a complete stop at intersections is important, too, as is not stopping in crosswalks. Drivers also must obey the signals of crossing guards and should never attempt to pass a stopped school bus with lights flashing. For more information on the Oak Park Police Department’s school programs, call 386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.