Why will traffic lights give right of way to EMS vehicles in Chicago Suburbs but not Chicago?

Question

Grew up in the suburbs and have grown accustomed to the strobe light sensors that sit atop traffic lights. They’re incredibly useful for sensing oncoming emergency vehicles, and usually activate the traffic light to stop traffic and give EMS the right of way.

I’ve noticed when driving in the city of Chicago on roadways near, let’s say, the Argonne Ballroom or lakeshore drive, these were not present.

What’s the deal?

In: 9

Answer 1

As stated, could be a cost issue.

The emergency departments in that area may not have the systems installed on their vehicles, so there’s no point installing them on the signals.

I don’t know Chicago at all, but if the area you describe is a different city that’s within the overall Chicago area, that public works department can have a different approach to traffic management.