County Board Sends ‘Vision Zero’ Safety Plan Back to Committee Amid Cost Concerns

A resolution to establish Will County as a “Vision Zero” county aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities was sent back to committee Thursday after board members raised concerns about potential costs and implementation.

The Public Works and Transportation Committee had previously passed the resolution unanimously, but it faced resistance when brought to the full County Board on April 17.

Transportation Department staff member Eric Wessel told board members the program would aim to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries in the county by 2040, while creating a framework to obtain additional traffic safety funding.

“The way the rules have been changing, they want additional data to support the grants,” Wessel explained. “This report that we’re creating not only gives the county the ability, but it also allows different agencies, municipalities, and townships to latch on to it.”

Board members voted 13-9 to return the measure to the transportation committee for more details about potential costs and implementation plans.

Board member Judy Ogala expressed concern about the financial impact of the program. “It’s hard for me to go ahead and vote for something that I do not know what the long-term financial impact will be for the county,” she said.

Wessel acknowledged he couldn’t specify exact costs, explaining that much of the work is already incorporated into existing road projects. The plan would place special emphasis on pedestrian and bicycle safety, particularly near schools and retirement communities.

“We are already incorporating safety into our projects,” Wessel said. “This codifies to the public that we are really making an effort to do safety projects.”

Board member Mary Burkowitz questioned committing to a goal without having more specifics. “I love this, thank you for what you’re communicating here and your desires. I love it, but this is the wrong step,” she said. “We need to put in the tools to accomplish this.”

The resolution’s supporters argued the board was missing an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to traffic safety and potentially secure additional funding.

“I’m also hearing that people are more worried about funding this program than trying to save lives, and it’s kind of disturbing to me,” Board Speaker Joe Van Dyke said.

Board member Katie Freeman noted that the resolution essentially formalized existing practices. “This resolution is basically something that we do anyway,” she said. “This could provide us with more money.”

Wessel said the Department of Transportation would incorporate additional information about implementation plans and costs when the resolution returns to committee.

The Vision Zero concept originated in Sweden in the 1990s and has been adopted by numerous municipalities across the United States as a comprehensive approach to eliminating traffic fatalities.