Washington v. City of Chicago

The issue in these two consolidated cases is whether the City of Chicago had a duty to construct a road median in such a way as to make it safe for use by emergency road vehicles. In reversing judgment against the City, the appellate court held that no such duty existed. 298 Ill. App. 3d 797. We granted leave to appeal (177 Ill. 2d R. 315) and now affirm the appellate court.

The incident giving rise to this litigation took place near midnight on the night of September 11, 1989. In responding to an emergency call, a Chicago fire department snorkel truck proceeded south on South Halsted Street…