Ashton
Ashton, IL · Traffic & Transit
The Journal Standard
Halloween Train of TERROR returns to Freeport
The Halloween Train of TERROR will return to Freeport with rides scheduled on Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31, offering visitors an evening attraction at 2954 S. Walnut Road in Freeport. The attraction begins operating at 6 p.m. each night, according to a community announcement. Trains depart every hour and continue running until ticket sales are no longer sufficient to support another trip. Tickets cost $10 for all riders. Organizers said tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis for each train run, with color-coded tickets assigned by flatcar. Groups hoping to ride together should notify organizers before buying tickets. The announcement said staff will try to accommodate seating requests for riders who want to remain on the same flatcar. Ticket sales and boarding information Organizers said tickets are sold sequentially. Once a run is sold out, sales begin for the next departure. Later departures are not sold until the preceding ride reaches capacity. Riders are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled departure time and be ready to board when their train is called. The announcement states there are no refunds for guests who leave and fail to return before their assigned ride time. Payment
northernpublicradio.org
NIU enters $40 million agreement with IDOT to minimize the effects of road construction on natural resources
Northern Illinois University has entered a decade long intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation designed to help minimize effects of road construction on natural resources and communities. According to the university, NIU will provide IDOT with "natural resource reviews and assessments for planned IDOT road projects in northern...
The Journal Standard
Lena intersection reopens with new traffic signals
The U.S. 20 and Illinois 73 intersection in Lena is now fully open, with permanent traffic signals in operation and all Illinois 73 detours removed. The update was announced Oct. 7 and comes as work continues on the intersection improvement project, according to a community announcement. Drivers are being urged to watch for changing traffic patterns and conditions within the active construction zone. The newly activated traffic signals are operating as a four-way stop configuration, and motorists should pay close attention to the intersection as crews continue work in the area. Project remains under construction Although the intersection has reopened, the project has not yet been completed. Road users traveling through Lena should continue to use caution near workers, equipment and any temporary traffic-control measures that remain in place. According to the announcement, construction on the project is expected to be finished in early November. This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct . This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Lena intersection reopens with new traffic signals
Q98.5
Chicago Named One of America’s 10 Worst Cities for Driving
If you drive in Rockford, you know it can be a challenge at times. It's not like there's tons of traffic in the city, but there's enough tough driving, whether it be one-ways, road construction, or roundabouts, to make you want to pull your hair out. While the Forest City...
WSPY NEWS
Peace Road closure Planned for bridge work in Sycamore
The DeKalb County Highway Department says Peace Road between Route 64 and Freed Road will be closed beginning Tuesday next week. Work is being done at the Kishwaukee River Bridge. The department says the closure is intended to allow crews to complete paving and other repairs ahead of the Sycamore...
Rockford Register Star
Rockford task force identifies most dangerous streets
Rockford officials have identified several corridors and intersections for possible bicycle and pedestrian safety improvements following a review of a decade of crash data and recommendations developed by the city's Pedestrian Safety Task Force. The city established the Pedestrian Safety Task Force in 2025 to help improve safety and accessibility for people who walk and bike, according to a community announcement. The group included community members and professionals who volunteered to examine crash trends, review data and identify opportunities to reduce serious injuries and deaths on city streets. The task force used crash data, geographic information system analysis, professional expertise and community input to develop recommendations aimed at improving roadway safety across Rockford. An analysis of bicycle and pedestrian crashes from 2015 through 2025 reviewed 996 crashes and 53 fatalities. The study was conducted to identify patterns, contributing factors and locations where additional safety measures could be considered. Locations identified for potential improvements The review highlighted several corridors and intersections where safety enhancements could be explored: 11th Street Corridor Harrison Avenue and South Alpine Road intersection North Central Avenue and Auburn Street corridors East State Street and North Alpine Road intersection East State Street at North Perryville Road and North
starvedrock.media
Disparity In Gas Prices Widens Across Starved Rock Region
Ten to 15 miles means about 50 cents a gallon difference in gas prices. According to Gas Buddy, the price of unleaded has inched down to $4.24 a gallon in Peru, Oglesby, and Utica. Yet stations in Ottawa are still charging $4.74 a gallon. Gas prices range from $4.59 to $4.69 in Marseilles, Princeton, and Mendota.
unearththevoyage.com
Pull Up A Seat Inside A Vintage Train Car At This Small-Town Illinois Restaurant
We were only looking for a quick lunch somewhere in Illinois, and the building on the corner looked like any other small-town spot. Then we stepped inside and found a real railroad car waiting at the front, with a table open and a menu that made our stomachs growl. It...