One of the IDOT workers involved in Monday’s vehicle vs pedestrian crash on East Morton remains hospitalized, but his condition has been upgraded to fair, according to the State Journal Register.
Sixty-four year old Gary Bartels, of Chandlerville, was one of three IDOT employees struck by a truck while conducting road work on East Morton Avenue near the intersection of Mobil Road Monday afternoon.
Currently being treated at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Bartels was initially listed in critical condition. Yesterday however, according to the SJR, he received some positive news, as a spokeswoman for St. John’s Hospital listed Bartels as being in fair condition.
Bartels suffered the serious injuries when he and two other IDOT workers were struck by a truck being driven by 86-year old Dale Gibbs of South Jacksonville. As for the other two IDOT workers injured in the accident – 67-year old David Nergenah and 62-year old Bruce Bartlett, both of Jacksonville – they were both treated for their injuries and have since been released, according to the Springfield paper.
A statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation released yesterday reminds drivers of the dangers that IDOT employees face when working work zones, as well as the various laws pertaining to driving through Illinois work zones – which includes changing lanes if possible, and providing extra distance between their vehicle and the workers, first responders and disabled vehicles.