Village of Lombard Legistar System

Mr. Jim Watson, 241 S Edson

Mr. Watson addressed the committee with a request for a stop sign on Edson between

Maple and Madison. Mr. Watson commented that Edson has become a raceway,

especially in the early morning and dinner hour. People use Edson as a cut-through

because it is a straight shot. There have been incidences of people being hit by cars.

Nothing serious, but it's dangerous. Lt. Nuestadt suggested he come to a

Transportation & Safety meeting. This issue has come up before, the Police

Department did have squad cars out there for a couple weeks and also set up the

portable radar. Mr. Watson stated that he's here to ask that the Village put up a stop

sign wherever is deemed most appropriate. He pointed out that there used to be a

speed bump by the Prairie Path, but it was taken out so there's nothing to slow people

down. There are always close calls by the Prairie Path, however, the pedestrians have

a stop sign.

Soderstrom replied that having served on this committee, one of the things he's come to

find is that stop signs do not slow traffic down. In some cases it has an adverse effect

on speeding. He told Mr. Watson the committee will entertain his request. He also told

Mr. Watson that some additional show of support from neighbors and any information

about special circumstances, deaf children, etc., would be helpful.

Gembala explained warrants for stop control. Stop controls are not used to control

speeding. Gembala offered that staff could see if it meets any of the warrants. Dratnol

also commented that traffic calming is being looked into by Public Works Committee

and Transportation & Safety. That may be more appropriate. Cuny commented that a

speed study would be the next step.

The Police Department will do a speed study and bring it back to the committee. A copy

of the report will be sent to Mr. Watson.

It was moved by Lepins, seconded by Kuehl, to approve the minutes of the

March 1, 2004, meeting. The motion carried by a voice vote

Gembala reviewed the handouts.

Westmore/Meyers Road

In this location the total roadway is 45', if we were to place an in-roadway sign there it

would be an obstruction for vehicles. Staff is recommending to install signs on the side

of the roadway. To enhance signs yield pavement markings could also be installed. For

north bound it was difficult to find a location. The recommendation is to install the sign in

the planter and cantilever it out a bit. Gron asked how far the sign would be from the

path. Gembala responded that the required distance is 20'-50', this is at about 50'.

Gron asked what the opinion is of installing washboard? Dratnol responded that

depending on usage, they can create a noise problem, so in a residential area it's not a

good idea. Kuehl asked if any striping would be put in at the Prairie Path. Dratnol

responded that Public Works would clean up the existing striping in the area. Kuehl

asked if infromation signs could be put in closer to the path that says Illinois Prairie Path.

Gembala explained that if the signage is installed closer, motorists will not see the sign

until they're at the crossing. The committee briefly discussed the color of the signage.

Main Street

Gembala explained that with the 2-way left turn available at this location it would be

acceptable to install an in-roadway sign. There will be striping to the north and south of

the signs. The third sketch portrays if a median were installed on Main Street. There

was discussion regarding specifications of the proposed median. Lepins asked if the

median would impact snow removal. Dratnol responded that snow removal would be

handled the same as it has been.

Lepins asked what the estimated costs for striping and the median are. Dratnol

estimated $2,000 for striping and $3,000-$4,000 for the median.

Soderstrom reviewed the previous direction taken by the committee. Dratnol reviewed

the information provided in his memo. The intersection probably does meet the warrant

for the two hours that it didn't previously. At this particular intersection, one factor that is

most concerning is the acutal use of the facility. It's a medical facility and by nature of

it's purpose, those conditions lead to distracted drivers. He explained that he's not

typically in favor of putting in signals without clear cut warrants being met, however, this

is one instance where he is comfortable taking this step as a safety measure.

Community Development has also received a petition from residents in the area. Staff is

recommending a traffic signal be installed at this location.

Murphy asked if the medical facility will still pay for the signal. Dratnol answered that

they would. Murphy said that John Johnson was going to check to see if it would tie in.

Dratnol explained that would be done as an interconnect project. Kuehl asked if loop

detectors would be installed. Dratnol responded that it would be run by video detection.

The cameras are more reliable than loops, loops fail. Schwarz asked about the

geometry of that intersection. Dratnol responded that there's enough separation that we

could have back to back left turn lanes. The committee briefly discussed flaws in the

original traffic study.