Once again this intersection is the sight of a serious crash. Just a few months ago a biker lost his life there. I have been asking for a turn lane at this intersection. Rep Tom Cross and I have spoken about this. He told me that he would have Lee Goodson get in contact with the state about this dangerous situation. Lee and I have spoken and she told me the state doesn't have this on their "radar" I asked what we have to do to get this on the radar; letter writing campaign, me standing on a corner holding a sign, getting a petition signed but I have not heard back from her.

To make this a safer intersection, I believe that there should be a turn lane from northbound County Line Rd to westbound 126 and a turn lane on westbound 126 to southbound County Line Rd. The state will be installing a light at 126 and Ridge. Turn lanes, I believe, will be a cost effective alternative to another stop light.

Plainfield Township road commissioner Sam Reichart, Senate candidate Garrett Peck and even Rep. Tom Cross support this. Now we need the sate to get off their butt and do something to correct this dangerous intersection.

The state seems to have money for frivolous things such as a pedestrian bridge in Plainfield but when it comes to public safety, they are always broke. Call Rep. Cross and let him know that you support turn lanes, 815 254-0000

Even with turn lanes, won't people still pull out not seeing cars that are going too fast? We got a stoplight at River and Theodore and that was not a dangerous, fast intersection. Seems that this one where many people have lost lives would be more necessary.

Also, I did put a message in to the contact us section of the IDOT website. I'll take any solution that does something here...rather than waiting for more people to die. I don't understand how it is not on their radar...??? Plainfield people...guess we need to get LOUDER!

I do agree that the intersection there is very dangerous but this accident was not at the intersection. It was about 2 blocks west of the intersection further around the curve. I think this entire 1 mile stretch from Ridge to Drauden is dangerous. The speec limit it too high to be bankig around those curves. I think that they should put up medians or something in between the two lanes around those curves. If there is a car in the opposite direction you are only usually 2-3ft maximum from a head on collision at 50MPH.

So scary! It just takes one person to make an error and tragic events happen.

Joe. We agree 100%...something needs to be done. How many people need to die on this road before something changes?

Horrible! Absolutely horrible to hear of yet another death on this road. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family!

I think those speed limits and lane configurations were put in place many years ago when that section of 126 was an old country road that was very lightly travelled. I like the light going in at Ridge, but I also think the speed limit needs to be reduced (and enforced) and there should be a three way stop with flashing red light at 126 and County Line. There needs to be some speed control measures there.

I agree, I used to use that route and I prayed every day that it would be safe. There needs to be a stop light, not just a turn lane. The traffic on 126 moves too quickly for anyone to safely pull into traffic and there are no breaks in the traffic flow.

I think the turn lane would alleviate some of the accidents, but this site really needs a stop light!

The crash wasn't at county line and 126 so I don't get how turnlanes would have helped. It was much further west probably at N Ridge rd. I couldn't tell because 126 was blocked west of county line.

Each of the most recent crashes are at different points along 126. The teens were west of ridge at the next street west. The motorcycle was at S Ridge, now this. Every crash has been at different intersections along these few miles of road. They can't possibly put lights in at every street and the road isn't going to be closed. Everyone just be careful! slowdown! look three times then go! mainly just slow down.

agreed..but i think a stop light would be even better. A persons life is worth more than the cost of a stop light! I refuse to go down county line road because of all the accidents and loss of life. I go to Drauden simply because there IS a stoplight.

I just posted this article on Rep. Tom Cross Facebook wall. Ad your additional comments and let your voices be heard.
https://www.facebook.com/index.php?stype=lo&lh=Ac8h44BaiVJMn31b#!/tomcross84

This route is soon going to be known as the Route of tears for all those impacted by this unsafe intersection. Is it possible the state will listen when a road of theirs is named for the deaths that occured?????

I can say every day I drive this road I feel the pain the people feel. While all of the accidents were most likely preventable through safer driving habits it doesn't decrease the pain anyone felt. I know for sure I will be traveling a different route on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from now on. I can't tell my kids anymore why there is another cross on the road and explain to them the need for safe driving habits.

I drive a rally car that can do more then I will ever let it do. Safe driving and drivers including paying attention to everything will help. Most of all being patient will keep you and possibly the person behind/next to you alive too.

There is a point where the state has to step in though when they see there is an issue. How many more deaths before they notice?

Save money the state does not have. Drive slower.

Rachelle, I concur. We cant hand out pamphlets anymore on this one. I would rather stop every mile on the road and listen to rumble strips then see one more cross!

I agree with TLC 100%. It is up to the people actually operating their vehicles as to how things play out on the roads. There is too much focus on what the government should do, and not enough accountability with the citizens. We all need to be aware of what is going on around us at all times. Accidents do happen, but gross negligence on the driver's part should not be the reason people are dying. I am not speculating on this particular accident, but I have seen all too often people doing everything else but driving while they are in the driver's seat. I am amazed at how many people watch their laps (incognito texting), eat their dinner, put on their make-up and read magazines and newspapers! My family's lives are more important than you being late to where you need to go as well. Slow down and pay attention!!! I pray for this man's family.

As a school bus driver I see this a lot. The other day the car in front of me on Caton Farm Rd. barely missed hitting a car AT A LIGHT when she veered into oncoming traffic's lane. I had the opportunity to pull up next to her when she finally changed lanes. Sure enough she was texting away, but did stop to turn my way (I figure she must have sensed my glaring at her). She attempted to crack a smile, but my face must have discouraged the poor girl. I hope it spoke volumes to her---at least for the sake of the other people who's path she might cross. Texting while driving, like drinking and driving is STUPID AND SELFISH.

Saying to slow down, pay attention is all well and good, generally speaking, and we should all do that. However, When you are talking about a particular stretch of road that has consistently proven to have more deadly accidents on it than any others in the area, perhaps that should be addressed as a bigger concern, a huge red flag.

I used to take route 126 to work after moving to this area. Never have I witnessed so many irresponsible drivers passing me at alarming speeds and carelessly turning off of crossroads. I was almost hit head on by a vehicle passing in the west bound lane. I felt as if i was risking my life every time i drove that route. More stop lights and turn lanes may help to reduce the speed of traffic but honestly the idiots who are always in a hurry will still cause accidents and claim the lives of others. Get these idiots off the road. Tougher fines and sentences, safe driving classes for offenders.

I take county line and126 everyday we don't need stop signs or lights EVERYBODY NEEDS TO SLOW DOWN

I just drove through that area and I know it's too late to save this persons life, but Plainfield squads on 2 different traffic stops in the area of 126 and ridge and 126 and schlapp.

Another senseless death. I wonder why the driver of the Mercury swerved into oncoming traffic lanes? Red lights and turn lanes would not have prevented this accident.

This has always been a dangerous area and more traffic is exascerbating the problem. I think part of the problem is that the road really opens up there. Some people just speed up leaving all of the traffic in town. Believe it or not, more development out west will help this problem. Until then, STOP-LIGHTS AND SPEED RIDGES! Slow down people.

The story does not indicate that speed, lane configuration, or traffic lights were a factor in this accident; only that "the Mercury crossed over and hit a box truck in the westbound lane". So unless you can identify the specific cause(s) in this case, no need to speculate on the solution(s).
With that said, a little more attentiveness and a little less speed by all motorists can't hurt.

Yes; however, preventive measures can range from the addition of a stop sign to widening Route 126 to a 4 lane road with a concrete center divider with stop lights at every intersection. My point is that IDOT should take time to assess the causes of these recent accidents and implement appropriate, cost-effective solutions that will prevent future deaths. Throwing more $$ at unnecessary, costly changes that don't address the cause(s) of these fatalities would not be prudent.

It wasn't at an intersection, it was at least a quarter mile (east) from the north ridge road/126 intersection.

I agree that Rt126 and county line road needs a traffic light as well as turn lanes, but people need to slow down cars passing at 70+ MPH is just plain stupid. Is 2 minutes off someone's drive to work worth risking a life of a mother, father child. Any life.

People just need to slow down and pay attention. I don't know how many times I have been passed by people going way over the speed limit and passing another car on the opposite side coming at me. It is very scary.

Traffic signals cost almost a million dollars per intersection. The State of Illinois is much different than the United States. It can't just print money, we're already broke. Any person who claims a red light will or would've prevented this accident has no proof or study that such light would even be effective in this incident or any other.

Those who give up liberty for safety shall have and deserve neither.

I totally saw a school bus driver texting while driving this morning when she almost smashed into Me!!

And wouldn't putting more lanes in the road further obstruct visibility?? Put a light up...there are worse ways to spend money.

I feel immediate termination for texting while driving a school bus is necessary! It seems easy enough to check drivers phone records and then terminate. We ALL need to be more cautious. Way too many distractions these days for drivers. Slow down and pay attention!!!

All this chatter about texting and driving, it's nowhere near as dangerous as someone not wearing their seatbelt, right? Or at least that's what I'm assuming by how often we see seatbelt checkpoints in Oswego.

Well, it's that or a blind eye being turned to a big problem.

How many accidents on 126 is it going to take before they put traffic lights up?!

Isn't this intersection supposed to be rearranged so that Ridge Rd goes around to the east of Anderson's Tree Farm? Is that where the light is supposed to go?

Occasional Traveler

Not that this is specific to this tragic incident, but one of the greatest hazards on Route 126 is driver behavior at intersecting roads with non-four way stops.  All too often merging drivers will pull out in front of vehicles that are travelling at speed (the posted limit) and almost upon that intersection.  This action requires the right-of-way driver to slow considerably and then they invariably turn at the next intersection.  I am amazed at how close these folks allow you to get before pulling out especially when the next vehicle is a quarter mile away.  Wait another four seconds for a safe opportunity to merge.  I am suprised there are not more serious accidents with the poor/dangerous driving habits witnessed near every trip taken on 126.  

It's good to hear that a traffic light is coming to 126 and Ridge Rd north. I've often waited there and wondered if I would survive the movement onto 126. As far as 126 and County line rd., how much can it cost to put up 2 more stop signs. That spot is as scarry as any I have ever encountered. Coming from all 3 directions gives you a rapid heart beat if you have to turn. A three-way stop would really help.

Plainfield independent keeps talking about politics. Giving up rights means we deserve no freedom? Please know this topic isn't about politics but a group of people discussing the safety of a road. The lives lost prove the need for intervention across the whole road. There are ways. I'm certain people who drive it and see the destruction caused by the few wouldn't mind stopping at a few strategic points. Not lights but stop signs. I'm also certain that if given then chance the road can be widened in several locations to allow for turn lanes or escape lanes so cars aren't turned into ditches spun and without control driving into on coming traffic. If you wish to speak about liberties and your injustice don't harp on the people trying to solve a problem. It kind of irritates me when people troll around saying what's wrong and why you can't do things instead of saying what's wrong and offering solutions. People trying to make changes create a new world not your trolling and need to strike down options.

It would be helpful if folks would also slow down and do the speed limit instead of being in a hurry to get to the next light. I'm constantly doing the speed limit and constantly tail-gated & passed on solid yellow lines on 126 or 71.