Chicago City Wire

State Representative Brad Stephens (R-Rosemont) and Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) have advanced legislation aimed at enhancing traffic safety in the vicinity of O’Hare Airport. The move comes in response to reported hazardous conditions around the airport, prompting the lawmakers to prohibit drivers from halting their vehicles on the road's shoulder within a half-mile radius of O’Hare.

“O’Hare is one of the busiest airports in the country,” stated Harmon. “With thousands of cars coming through daily, obstructions on the roadway present a threat to drivers, passengers and pedestrians.”

The bipartisan initiative was initially introduced in the Illinois House by Rep. Brad Stephens. He described it as a proactive measure to ensure motorist safety on 190 and I-90 near O'Hare Airport's entrance.

“This initiative is a proactive measure to ensure motorist safety on 190 and I-90 near the entrance to O’Hare Airport. Countless drivers have been parking on the shoulders of these roadways awaiting traveler arrivals instead of using the conveniently located cell phone lots within the airport property,” explained Rep. Stephens.

He added, “We can’t station officers in these areas to address this safety issue as it’s not an efficient use of manpower, so I am happy to sponsor this measure in hopes that we have addressed an issue prior to anyone being injured or killed.”

The legislation also mandates that the Illinois Tollway Authority install automated traffic safety cameras within the same half-mile radius. Violators of these new provisions could face fines of $100 per instance.

House Bill 5408 passed the Senate with a vote count of 50-5 and is now set for submission to the governor’s desk.