News Releases - 1998

Bedford Park and Wood River Emissions Test Stations To Temporarily Close

Springfield, Ill. -- The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing the temporary closing of the vehicle emissions test stations at 5231 West 70th Place, Bedford Park, Ill. and at 1710 Vaughn Road, Wood River, Ill. The Bedford Park and Wood River Stations will close for renovation beginning March 3, 1998, and will remain closed for approximately four months.

The station renovations will accommodate new equipment needed for the enhanced vehicle emissions test, which will begin between December 1998 and June 1999 in existing and expanded test areas.

The new test will be more effective in identifying the pollutants that contribute to ground-level ozone (smog). Ozone is a respiratory irritant that can cause health problems, especially for children, the elderly, and people with heart and lung diseases.

"As we head into the next millennium, cleaner air will continue to be a top priority," said Illinois EPA Director Mary Gade. "The enhanced vehicle test program will be a valuable tool in our overall strategy to meet our goal of healthier air.

"Although we have made significant strides in improving Illinois’ air quality, the enhanced test program will be twice as effective in reducing emissions from vehicles," Gade added.

Prior to implementation, new stations will be built, existing stations will temporarily close for renovation and some stations will be permanently closed. The current test procedures and standards will remain in effect, however, at all testing stations until the enhanced test program is fully implemented.

Motorists in the Bedford Park area scheduled for an emissions test during the renovation are asked to use an alternate test station. Nearby stations include:

Markham Station, 3824 159^th Place, Markham, Ill.

Directions: From I-57 or I-294: West on 159^th Street to Crawford Ave. Left on Crawford to 159^th Place. Left on 159^th Place, station is located on left side of street at dead end. Call 708-596-9070 for more information about the Markham Station.

114^th Street Station, 830 E. 114^th Street, Chicago

Directions: From I-94: West on 115^th Street to Doty (frontage road). Right on Doty to 114^th St. Left on 114^th St. and into station. Call 773-468-2456 for more information about the 114^th Street Station.

43^rd Street Station, 1344 W. 43^rd Street, Chicago

Directions: From I-55: South on Ashland Avenue to 43^rd St. Turn left on 43^rd St. and go one block to station, which is on the left side of the street. From I-94: West on Pershing Road to Ashland Ave. Left on Ashland to 43^rd Street. Left on 43^rd Street. Go one block to station, which is on the left side of street. Call 773-523-5017 for more information about the 43^rd Street Station.

Cicero Station, 4720 West 15^th Place, Cicero, Ill.

Directions: From I-55: North on Cicero Avenue. The station is at the corner of 15^th Place and Cicero Ave. Enter from Cicero Ave. Call 708-656-5292 for more information about the Cicero Station.

Station hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

Motorists in the Wood River area scheduled for an emissions test during the renovation are asked to use an alternate test station. Nearby stations include:

East St. Louis Station, 1801 E. Broadway Street, East St. Louis, Ill.

Directions: From I-55 south: Exit at Third Street. Take Third Street to Missouri Avenue and turn left. Turn right on 18^th Street. Station is at the corner of 18^th Street and Broadway. Call 618-874-0182 for more information about the East St. Louis Station.

Mitchell Station, 1000 East Chain Of Rocks Road, Mitchell, Ill.

Directions: From Route 111: Turn right on Chain of Rocks Road. From I-270: Exit at Route 111. Go north and turn left on Chain of Rocks Road (the first street). Call 618-931-5694 for more information about the Mitchell Station.

While the Wood River Station is closed, operating hours will be expanded at the Mitchell and East St. Louis stations: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The Illinois EPA will provide motorists with additional information about station closings and openings on future test notices. For more information, call the Illinois EPA at 847-758-3400 (Chicago area) or 800-635-2380.