The Illinois Department of Transportation reduced the speed limit on 47th Street in Western Springs to 30 miles per hour, according to an announcement made on April 13. New signage was installed by IDOT after a traffic study and public feedback led to the decision.
The change brings the speed limit in Western Springs into alignment with that of the neighboring community of La Grange along the same corridor. The Western Springs Police Department said that reducing speed is important for safety, noting that “speed has been identified as a contributing factor in 35 – 40% of all fatal crashes in Illinois, and that even small reductions in speed can improve safety (Source: CMAP 2024).”
Western Springs operates under a council-manager form of government, which separates policy-making from administration and provides public services through professional staff who support advisory boards according to the official website. The village manager oversees personnel and implements policies established by the village president and board of trustees, who serve as elected volunteers according to the official website.
Residents participate as volunteers on various boards and commissions that address community issues and offer recommendations according to the official website. Village offices are located at 740 Hillgrove Avenue according to the official website.
Western Springs continues its practice of involving resident volunteers for expert reviews on local matters, reflecting its approach as a local government entity under a council-manager system according to the official website.
