Police Assess Dangerous Intersection in Morton Grove

Is it the fact that Shermer Road angles slightly when it crosses Beckwith? Is it that motorists don't see the stop signs?

Whatever the reason, the Morton Grove intersection has seen a high number of vehicle crashes.

Village Clerk Tony Kalogerakos brought up the subject at Monday's village board meeting.

"About Beckwith and Shermer, a few residents have raised concerns about accidents and speeding there," Kalogerakos said. "I have spoken to Village Administrator Horne and Police Chief Erickson and Chief Erickson has it on his radar, no pun intended. Over 200 citations have been issued in past year and a half."

Horne then added, "We do take this matter very seriously and we are looking into it. It will take some work to see what is the best course of action. We want to do what’s best for Morton Grove."

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The Morton Grove police department has stepped up radar patrols in the area in the past two years, Erickson said, and is looking at ways to slow traffic down. 

The problems seem to mainly occur for cars going west on Beckwith and south on Shermer, he said.

"Either they don't stop or they misjudge the speed of other vehicles," Erickson said.

There are two stop signs at the intersection--for cars traveling eastbound and Beckwith and westbound on Beckwith. Drivers on Shermer do not encounter a stop sign. 

In the accompanying photo, taken going eastbound on Beckwith, it is difficult to see the stop sign. 

Village engineer Chris Tomich is looking at ways to get drivers to go slower on Shermer, and possibly illuminate the stop signs on Beckwith, Erickson said.

"Hopefully in the next couple of months we'll recommend a solution," he said.

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