IMMEDIATE SAFETY ACTION NEEDED AT 130TH STREET & INDIANA AVENUE
The Issue
The 130th Street and Indiana Avenue underpass/viaduct area adjacent to the Little Calumet River is a vital part of daily life for many residents of Dolton, Riverdale, and the southside of Chicago. However, this crucial area has become a safety concern for all who pass through it. As someone who travels through this area regularly, I have witnessed first-hand the deteriorating conditions and the increasing risks they pose.
The underpass is poorly lit, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to navigate safely, especially during night-time and in bad weather. The road surface is uneven and full of potholes, which can lead to vehicle damage and accidents.
There have been numerous accidents reported in this area, some resulting in severe injuries. In 2022 alone, according to local police reports, over 50 accidents were recorded in this underpass area, with at least a dozen involving injuries. This is an alarming statistic that cannot be ignored. It's imperative that immediate action is taken to prevent further accidents and improve safety for all community members.
IMMEDIATE SAFETY ACTION NEEDED AT 130TH STREET & INDIANA AVENUE
We are calling on IDOT, the Village of Riverdale, Cook County, and the railroad owner/operator to immediately address a serious safety concern at the 130th Street and Indiana Avenue underpass/viaduct adjacent to the Little Calumet River.
THE CONCERN
The roadway runs immediately alongside the river and includes a sharp curve with limited visibility beneath the railroad viaduct.
The question is simple:
If a driver loses control, what prevents that vehicle from entering the river?
Residents are asking for an immediate professional safety assessment and reasonable preventive measures before another tragedy occurs.
IMMEDIATE SAFETY ACTION — APPROX. $200,000
We are requesting an interim safety project focused specifically on vehicle-to-river prevention, including:
A properly engineered crashworthy barrier/guardrail between the roadway and river;
High-visibility roadway and curve markings;
Appropriate warning and chevron signage;
Improved lighting and visibility; and
An engineering assessment of roadway geometry, sight distance, vehicle-departure risk, and required barrier protection.
FUNDING
We ask the agencies to pursue existing federal, state, county, transportation-safety, and infrastructure funding before placing a financial burden on local residents.
Potential sources include IDOT/federal HSIP, Cook County transportation funds, MWRD funding for eligible drainage/flood-related components, and railroad participation where applicable.
LONG-TERM SOLUTION
Following the immediate safety measures, we ask the responsible agencies to develop a permanent engineering solution, potentially $3–10 million depending on the findings, focused on permanent vehicle containment, roadway geometry, lighting, pedestrian safety, flood resilience, and railroad coordination.
Potholes, general maintenance, and beautification can be addressed separately.
OUR PRIORITY IS SAFETY.
We should not wait for another vehicle to enter the river before determining whether reasonable protective measures can prevent it.
Inspect the site. Identify the risk. Install interim protection. Pursue outside funding. Develop a permanent solution.
SIGN THIS PETITION TO MAKE VEHICLE-TO-RIVER SAFETY A PRIORITY AT 130TH STREET & INDIANA AVENUE.
543
The Issue
The 130th Street and Indiana Avenue underpass/viaduct area adjacent to the Little Calumet River is a vital part of daily life for many residents of Dolton, Riverdale, and the southside of Chicago. However, this crucial area has become a safety concern for all who pass through it. As someone who travels through this area regularly, I have witnessed first-hand the deteriorating conditions and the increasing risks they pose.
The underpass is poorly lit, making it difficult for drivers and pedestrians to navigate safely, especially during night-time and in bad weather. The road surface is uneven and full of potholes, which can lead to vehicle damage and accidents.
There have been numerous accidents reported in this area, some resulting in severe injuries. In 2022 alone, according to local police reports, over 50 accidents were recorded in this underpass area, with at least a dozen involving injuries. This is an alarming statistic that cannot be ignored. It's imperative that immediate action is taken to prevent further accidents and improve safety for all community members.
IMMEDIATE SAFETY ACTION NEEDED AT 130TH STREET & INDIANA AVENUE
We are calling on IDOT, the Village of Riverdale, Cook County, and the railroad owner/operator to immediately address a serious safety concern at the 130th Street and Indiana Avenue underpass/viaduct adjacent to the Little Calumet River.
THE CONCERN
The roadway runs immediately alongside the river and includes a sharp curve with limited visibility beneath the railroad viaduct.
The question is simple:
If a driver loses control, what prevents that vehicle from entering the river?
Residents are asking for an immediate professional safety assessment and reasonable preventive measures before another tragedy occurs.
IMMEDIATE SAFETY ACTION — APPROX. $200,000
We are requesting an interim safety project focused specifically on vehicle-to-river prevention, including:
A properly engineered crashworthy barrier/guardrail between the roadway and river;
High-visibility roadway and curve markings;
Appropriate warning and chevron signage;
Improved lighting and visibility; and
An engineering assessment of roadway geometry, sight distance, vehicle-departure risk, and required barrier protection.
FUNDING
We ask the agencies to pursue existing federal, state, county, transportation-safety, and infrastructure funding before placing a financial burden on local residents.
Potential sources include IDOT/federal HSIP, Cook County transportation funds, MWRD funding for eligible drainage/flood-related components, and railroad participation where applicable.
LONG-TERM SOLUTION
Following the immediate safety measures, we ask the responsible agencies to develop a permanent engineering solution, potentially $3–10 million depending on the findings, focused on permanent vehicle containment, roadway geometry, lighting, pedestrian safety, flood resilience, and railroad coordination.
Potholes, general maintenance, and beautification can be addressed separately.
OUR PRIORITY IS SAFETY.
We should not wait for another vehicle to enter the river before determining whether reasonable protective measures can prevent it.
Inspect the site. Identify the risk. Install interim protection. Pursue outside funding. Develop a permanent solution.
SIGN THIS PETITION TO MAKE VEHICLE-TO-RIVER SAFETY A PRIORITY AT 130TH STREET & INDIANA AVENUE.
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Petition created on September 10, 2026