The only railroad crossing in Clarendon Hills will be closed while it is replaced, starting at 9 a.m. Thursday and continuing through Aug. 28.
Village officials were notified of the closing of the crossing on Prospect Avenue by the BNSF Railroad, which controls the crossing.
The timing of the closure comes just as nearby schools such as Prospect Elementary and Walker Elementary are set to resume classes for the new school year. Assistant village manager Mera Johnson said officials asked for the work to be rescheduled but were told by BNSF that it could not be delayed.
“We did contact the schools and the new superintendent at District 181 immediately,” Johnson said, adding that BNSF will post detour signs for motorists. Motor vehicle traffic will need to use the Hinsdale or Westmont railroad crossings during construction.
Pedestrians may use a crossing that is about 160 yards east of the Prospect Avenue crossing.
The full crossing replacement includes replacing all three tracks, crossing tops and asphalt.
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With school starting, village officials are reminding residents to expect heavier traffic near the schools, particularly about 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., during school drop-off and pick-up times.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.