HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/08/1997 SC MinutesDirector
Gler. R. Andler
Deputy Director
Sean P. Dorsey
Village Engineer
Jeffrey A. Wulbecker
Administrative Aide
Dawn L. Wucki
Solid Waste Coordinator
M. Lisa Angell
Water/Sewer Superintendent
Roderick T. O'Donovan
Streets/Buildings Superintendent
Paul C. Bures
Forestry/Grounds Superintendent
Sandra M. Clark
Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent
James E. Guenther
Mount Prospect Public Works Department
1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229
Phone B47/B70-5640 Fax B47/253-9377 TOO B47/392-1 235
MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT
SAFETY COMMISSION
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 7:33 P.M.
on Monday, December 8, 1997.
II,ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience.
Present upon roll call: Lee Beening
Chairman
Chuck Bencic
Commissioner
Nancy Bobikewicz
Commissioner
Andy Mitchell
Commissioner
Phyllis Moliere
Commissioner
Henry Dawson
Fire Department
John Wagner
Police Department
Dawn Wucki
Public Works
Sean Won
Public Works/Engineering Division
Absent: Joan Bjork
Commissioner
Others in Attendance:
See Attached List.
Ill. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Commissioner Bobikewicz, moved to approve the Minutes
of the Regular Meeting of the Safety Commission held on November 1, 1997. The Minutes were
approved by a vote of 8-0.
IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda.
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V. OLD BUSINESS
None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A) STOP OR YIELD SIGN REQUEST AT THE INTERSECTION OF
EASTWOOD/MEMORY
1) Background Information
Mr. Craig Heinrichs, 602 N. Eastwood Avenue, requested stop or yield signs at
the intersection of Eastwood/Memory because he recently moved into the
Village and witnessed two near accidents at this intersection. He feels that some
motorists do not slow down because there are no stop signs at this intersection.
The Engineering Staff performed a stop sign study. The findings are as follows:
a) Accidents
A search of the accident reports indicated:
Year 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 (10/97)
Number of
Accidents 0 0 0 0 2
The above accident records do not meet the stop sign warrant (minimum
five accidents per year) for the Multi -Way Stop Sign Warrants. The
police accident reports are attached.
b) Speed Study
Representative speed surveys were performed on Memory Lane west of
Eastwood Avenue between Tuesday, September 16, 1997 and
Thursday, September 18, 1997 and on Eastwood Avenue south of
Memory Lane between Monday, September 22, 1997 and Wednesday,
September 24, 1997. The 85th percentile speeds are follows:
Eastbound Memory 27-28 mph
Westbound Memory 23-24 mph
Southbound Eastwood 26-27 mph
Northbound Eastwood 24-25 mph
The speed limits of Memory Lane and Eastwood Avenue are 25 mph,
Including the slightly high speeds on Eastbound Memory Lane and
Southbound Eastwood Avenue, there is not a significant speeding
problem at this intersection.
2
c) Traffic Volume
The minimum traffic volume for the multi -way stop sign warrant is 500
vehicles/hour for an eight hour period (500 x 8 = 4000 cars/8 hrs). The
traffic volume at this intersection (499 cars/8 hrs) is approximately 12%
of the stop sign warrant.
d) Sight Obstruction
A number of parkway trees are located at the intersection. However,
these parkway trees do not present sight obstruction problems.
e) Survey Results
A total of 23 surveys were sent out in October 1997 to collect and
analyze the resident's opinion. 22 surveys were returned to the Village.
19 residents favored and 3 residents were against the 4-way stop sign at
Eastwood/Memory.
f) Existing Traffic Control Signs
Existing traffic control signs are located at all 4 intersections adjacent to
this intersection and are shown on the attached map.
Yield Signs
Mr, Heindchs stated in his letter that, as an alternative to stop signs,,
yield signs could also improve the safety at this intersection. As shown
on the attached neap„ there are stop or yield signs at the four adjacent.
intersections. For the east/westbound traffic, 2-way stop or yield signs
are located approximately 200 ft from this intersection. For the
north/southbound traffic, 2-way stop ,signs are located approximately 800
ft from this intersection; Because of two recent accidents, yield signs in
the north/south direction at this intersection are recommended in order
to clarify the right of way.
Recommendation:
Sto Si n Re oast
Because the intersection of Eastwood Avenue and Memory Lane does
not meet any of the multi -way stop sign warrants, despite the resident
support for the stop signs,
The Village Traffic Engineer recommends:
4-way stop signs at the intersection of Eastwood Avenue and
Memory Lane not be installed.
3
Yield Sign lie uest
To clarify the right of way at this intersection,
The Village Traffic Engineer recommends:
2-way yield signs on Eastwood Ave at Memory Ln be installed
2) Discussion
Sean Won said that Mr. Craig Heinrichs, 602 N. Eastwood Avenue, requested
stop or yield signs at the intersection of Eastwood/Memory because he
witnessed two near accidents at this intersection. Sean Won stated that staff
performed a stop sign study and this intersection does not meet stop sign
warrants based on the traffic volume and the number of accidents. Sean Won
recommended that yield signs on EastwoodAve at Memory Ln be installed due
to the two recent accidents.
Mr. Ed Lindfors of 413 N. Eastwood Ave said that the traffic on Eastwood Ave is
heavy after school and after work hours. He added that there are 11 children
under 8 years old on the 400 block of Eastwood Ave. Many of the children on
Eastwood Ave ride bicycles in the summer. Mr. Lindfors inquired about the
traffic counts on Eastwood Ave. Sean Won said that the traffic counts on
Eastwood were performed in September and the traffic volume for an 8 hour
period was 499 cars while the minimum traffic volume for the multi -way stop
sign warrants for an eight hour period is 4000 cars. Sean Won said that the
traffic volume at this intersection is approximately 12% of the stop sign warrant.
Mr. Lindfors said that there were double roll-over accidents in September.
Police accident records showed that two accidents occurred in June and Mr.
Lindfors agreed that accidents actually happened in June of 1997. Chairman
Beening said that the Sun could have blocked the view of drivers because these
two accidents occurred in the morning. Commissioner Bobikewicz asked Sean
Won whether the surveys included installing yield signs as an option. Sean Won
said that the survey asked installing stop signs only and 22 out of 23 residents
favored stop signs.
Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Bencic, moved to
approve installing Yield Signs on Eastwood Avenue at Memory Lane.
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
Chairman Beening said that the 400 & 500 block of Eastwood Avenue, might not
have enough speed limit signs. Sean Won said that he will inspect the 400 &
500 block of Eastwood and the Public Works would install more speed limit
signs, if needed.
Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Moliere, moved to
deny 4-way stop signs at Eastwood Avenue and Memory Lane.
4
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
B) PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC SIGNAL REQUEST AT BUSINESS CENTER DRIVE AND
RAND ROAD
1) Background Information
Commissioner Andy Mitchell, 311 N. School Street, requested the installation of
pedestrian traffic signals to cross Rand Road at Business Center Drive because:
This intersection is the only signalized intersection crossing on Rand
Road between Kensington Road and Central Road.
This intersection also serves as a bicycle route crossing Rand Road.
The Engineering Staff performed a pedestrian volume crossing count at this
intersection. In accordance with the request, the pedestrian count was
performed in the winter. It is projected that the pedestrian volume may be
somewhat higher in the summer.
Pedestrian counts crossing Rand Road on Wednesday November 12, 1997 were
as follows:
Between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM: One
Between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM: None
The minimum pedestrian volume for a traffic signal is 100 or more for each of
any four hours. Therefore, this intersection does not meet the warrant.
Evert though this intersection does not meet the warrant, a pedestrian traffic
signal is justified because 1) this is the only signalized' intersection which could
provide a pedestrian crossing between Central and Kensington, 2) this crossing
is a bicycle route, and 3) the traffic volume of Rand road is heavy (more than
30,000 vehicles per day).
Recommendation:
Because 1) this intersection is the only pedestrian crossing between
Central and Kensington, 2) this crossing is a bicycle route, and 3) the
traffic volume of Band load is heavy (more than 30,000 vehicles per
day): ,
The Village Traffic Engineer recommends:
a pedestrian traffic signal to cross Rand Road at Business Center
Drive be installed.
IF THIS IS APPROVED, IDOT APPROVAL WOULD BE REQUIRED
PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE PEDESTRIAN SIGNAL.
THE ENGINEERING STAFF WILL APPLY FOR AN IDOT PERMIT IF
APPROVED.
Estimated Cost:
Installation: Approximately $3,000.00
Engineering: In-house
[DOT Share: It is anticipated the IDOT will not share the cost.
The Village would need to pay 100%.
Maintenance: No additional maintenance cost to our traffic
signal maintenance contract
2) Discussion
Commissioner Mitchell said that he requested installing a pedestrian traffic
signal to cross Rand Road at Business Center Drive because residents on the
westside of Rand Road would like to use the nice pedestrian and jogging trail at
the Kensington Business Center. Commissioner Mitchell added that this
crossing is the Village bicycle route and there are no other signalized crossings
between Kensington and Central. He emphasized that it is difficult and
dangerous to cross Rand Road at Business Center Drive due to the heavy traffic
volume without a pedestrian traffic signal. Commissioner Mitchell stated that the
pedestrian volume would be a lot higher in the summer than the pedestrian
volume (only 1 for a four hour period) in November and, if the pedestrian traffic
signal is installed, more people would use this crossing. Chairman Beening said
that November might not be the right time to do the pedestrian count.
Commissioner Mitchell said that Sean Won suggested a pedestrian count in the
summer but he wanted to discuss this time because it would take more than 6
month to obtain a permit from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).
Commissioner Bobikewicz agreed that it takes a long time to obtain a permit
from Cook County and IDOT. Commissioner Bobikewicz wanted to obtain a
permit for crossings at Randhurst Shopping Center. Commissioner Bobikewicz
recommended that pedestrian traffic signals be installed at most of the
intersections. Chairman Beening said that spending $3,000 dollar for only one
pedestrian might not be a good investment. Commissioner Bencic said that
installing a pedestrian traffic signal on Rand Road at Hill Street should be
considered because a large number of people attend the Halloween Party every
year at Hill Street Park.
Commissioner Bencic asked Sean Won whether we would have a better chance
to obtain a permit if the pedestrian count is higher. Sean Won said that, if the
pedestrian count is higher, obtaining a permit from IDOT might be easier.
Commissioner Mitchell moved to install a pedestrian traffic signal on Rand
Road at Business Center Drive. The motion failed because no one
seconded.
Commissioner Bencic, seconded by Commissioner Mo'liere, moved to do
the pedestrian count again in the summer (June of 19 8) and brine the
issue back to the Safety Commission.
The motion was approved by a vote of 8-0.
Sean Won extended the Village's appreciation and holiday greeting to the Safety Commission
and presented each member with a gift.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 8-0 to adjourn at 8:04 P.M.,
upon the motion of Commissioner Mitchell. Commissioner Moliere seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Sean Won
Project Engineer
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
ATTENDANCE SHEET
DECEMBER 8, 1997
NAME ADDRESS
Ed Lindfors 413 N. Eastwood
%%PUBLICWORKISYS2IFILES\ENGINEERISAFEN CWIN97DEC.doc
0
If
Director
Glen R. Andler
Deputy Director
Sean P. Dorsey
Village Engineer r
Jeffrey A. Wulbecker
Administrative Aide
Dawn L. Wucki
Solid Waste Coordinator
M. Use Angell
Water/Sewer Superintendent
Roderick T. O'Donovan
Streets/Buildings Superintendent
Paul C. Bures
Forestry/Grounds Superintendent
Sandra M. Clark
Vehicle/Equipment Superintendent
James E. Guenther
Mount P'rospeot Pubiio Works Department
1700 W. Central Road, Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056-2229
Phone e47/670-5640 Fax 847/253-9377 TOO 647/392-1 235
MINUTES OF THE MOUNT PROSPECT
SAFETY COMMISSION
I. CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Meeting of the Mount Prospect Safety Commission was called to order at 10:03
A.M. on Saturday, November 1, 1997 at the Christian Life Church at 400 East Gregory Street.
II. ROLL CALL
Upon roll call, each Safety Commission Member introduced themselves to the audience.
Present upon roll call:
Lee Beening
Chairman
Andy Mitchell
Commissioner
Chuck Bencic
Commissioner
Nancy Bobikewicz
Commissioner
Joan Bjork
Commissioner
Paul Bures
Public Works
Buz Livingston
Fire Department
Absent:
Tom Daley
Police Department
Phyllis Moliere
Commissioner
Staff Present
Glen Andler
Public Works
Ron Pavlock
Police Department
Jeff Wulbecker
Public Works, Engineering Division
Sean Won
Public Works, Engineering Division
Others in Attendance:
See Attached List.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Paul Bures, seconded by Commissioner Bencic, moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular
Meeting of the Safety Commission held on September 8, 1997. The Minutes were approved by
a vote of 7-0.
IV. CITIZENS TO BE HEARD
No citizens came forth at this time to discuss any topics that were not on the current agenda.
1 A.
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V. OLD BUSINESS
TURN RESTRICTIONS AT RAND/ISABELLA, RAND/LOUTS AND RAND/HENRY
INTERSECTIONS
a) Background Information
This Item was discussed at the April 1997 Safety Commission fleeting. IMr. Jerry Boldt,
300 N. School Street along with 164 residents requested turn restrictions In order to
reduce the heavy volume of cut -through traffic generated by the Kensington Business
Center. At the meeting, the Safety Commission recommended turn restrictions at the
Rand/Isabella, Rand/Louis, and Rand/Henry Intersections.. The Village Board of
Trustees approved the tum restrictions based on the Safety Commission's
recommendation and comments from school districts„
At the May 20, 1997 Village Board meeting, the Village Board instructed staff to review
the traffic data for the neat six months and bring the issue back to the Safety
Commission and the Village Board,
Traffic Data
The Engineering ,Staff completed the following three traffic counts after the turn
restriction signs were installed on June 16, 1997.
Week of June 16
Week of August 12
Week of October 6
The results of the above three traffic counts and the traffic count before the turn
restriction are shown on the attached map. The effects of turn restrictions on the
cut through traffic are discussed as follows:
1. Isabella Street between Rand Road and William Street
Before Turn Restriction (February, 1996): 3666 vehicles/day (vpd)
After Tum Restriction: Average of three counts
2333 vpd
(Reduction of 1333 vpd)
The traffic volume on Isabella Street has been reduced by
approximately 36%. The turn restriction signs resulted in a significant
reduction of the cut through traffic on Isabella Street.
2
2. Henry Street between Rand Road and Edward Street
Before Turn Restriction (February, 1996): 811 vpd
After Turn Restriction: Average of three counts
912 vpd
(Increase of 101 vpd)
The traffic volume has increased by approximately 12%. This was
expected as it was anticipated that motorists would look for other routes
once the restrictions were imposed at Isabella: This, however, does not
represent a significant increase.
3. Louis Street South of Rand Road
Before Turn Restriction (February, 1996): 398 vpd
After Turn Restriction: Average three counts
322 vpd
(Reduction of 76 vpd)
The traffic volume has been reduced by approximately 19%. This
represents a modest decrease in traffic.
4. Gregory Street West of Owen Street
Before Turn Restriction (February, 1996): 810 vpd
After Turn Restriction: Average of three counts
796 vpd
(Reduction of 14 vpd)
The traffic volume has been reduced by approximately 2%. This
represents a positive but insignificant change in traffic volume.
5. Isabella Street West of Owen Street
Before Turn Restriction (February, 1996): 1423 vpd
After Turn Restriction: Average of three counts
1317 vpd
(Reduction of 106 vpd)
The traffic volume has been reduced by approximately 7%. This
represents a modest decrease in traffic.
3 %;_
6. Owen Street South of Isabella Street
Before Turn Restriction (February, 1996): 1401 vpd
After Turn Restriction: Average of three counts
1262 vpd
(Reduction of 139 vpd)
The traffic volume has been reduced by approximately 10%. This
represents a modest decrease in traffic.
In summary, the traffic volumes were changed as follows:
Five out of six locations experienced a reduction in traffic volume.
Isabella West of Rand (36%, 1336 cars)
Louis South of Rand (1 f)i°1%, 76 cars)
Isabella West of Owen ("7%, 106 cars)
Owen South of Isabella (10%, 139 cars)
Gregory West of Owen (2%, 14 cars)
One location experienced an increase in traffic volume.
Henry West of Rand (12%, 101 cars)
Therefore, it is concluded that the implementation of the turn restrictions
accomplished the desired effect. The tum restriction signs significantly reduced
the traffic on Isabella west of Rand and generally reduced the traffic in the
neighborhood.,
Staff Recommendation
The tum restriction signs at Rand/Isabella, Rand/Louis, and Rand/Henry
intersections did reduce the traffic volumes in the neighborhood. One of the
major complaints was the high volume of cut through traffic on Isabella St west
of Rand Rd. The traffic volume on this portion of Isabella St was reduced
significantly (36%) without significantly increasing the traffic volume on the other
streets in the neighborhood, Therefore, Staff recommends that the following
tum restrictions remain in force permanently:
1. No Right Turn from Southbound Rand Road onto Isabella Street
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
2. No Right Turn from Southbound Rand Road onto Henry Street
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
3. No Left Turn from Eastbound Isabella Street onto Rand Road
6:00 AM to 9:00 AM S 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
4. No Left Turn from Northbound Louis Street onto Rand Road
6:00 AM to 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
5. No Left Turn from, Eastbound Henry Street onto Rand Road
6:00AMto9:00AM&5:00PMto6:30PM
All from Monday through Friday
4
b) Discussion
Chairman Beening asked Village Engineer Wulbecker to present the results of traffic
counts taken after the turn restriction signs were installed. Mr. Wulbecker said that the
turn restriction signs were installed at Isabella/Rand, Louis/Rand, and Henry/Rand
intersections on June 16, 1997 after the Village Board approved the turn restrictions in
May 1997. Three traffic counts, one in every two months, were taken to evaluate the
effectiveness of turn restrictions. The traffic volume on Isabella Street between Rand
and William has been reduced by approximately 36% (1333 vpd), from 3666 vpd to
2333 vpd, that is a significant reduction of the cut through traffic. The traffic volume on
Henry Street between Rand and Edward has increased from 811 vpd to 912 vpd by
approximately 12%. While the traffic volume has increased, the volume of 912 vpd is
still lower than the traffic volumes of other streets except Gregory/Louis Streets. The
traffic volume on Louis Street south of Rand Road has decreased from 398 vpd to 322
vpd that is a reduction of 19%. This is a modest decrease in traffic. The traffic volume
on Gregory Street west of Owen Street has been reduced by approximately 2% from 810
vpd to 796 vpd. This represents a positive but insignificant change in traffic. The traffic
volume on Isabella Street west of Owen Street has decreased from 1423 vpd to 1317
vpd that is a reduction of 7%. Again this represents a modest decrease in traffic. The
traffic volume on Owen Street south of Isabella Street has decreased from 1401 vpd to
1262 vpd that is a reduction of 10%. Mr. Wulbecker summarized that the
implementation of the turn restrictions reduced the traffic volumes in all streets except
Henry Street.
Village Engineer Wulbecker noted that there is a private driveway, Serafine Drive, just
south of Henry Street on Rand Road. Serafine Drive is located between the old Color
Tile Building and the Sunrise Restaurant. The police observed that approximately 25
cars turned from Rand Road onto Serafine Drive to avoid turn restrictions at Henry/Rand
during the traffic count study. Then they proceeded to Albert Street where they turned
north to Henry Street and made left turns to head westbound Henry Street.
Village Engineer Wulbecker recommended that turn restrictions at Rand/Isabella,
Rand/Louis, and Rand/Henry be permanent because these turn restrictions did reduce
the traffic volume significantly on Isabella St between Rand and William without
significantly increasing the traffic volumes on the other streets in the neighborhood.
Village Engineer Wulbecker introduced Police Chief Pavlock for his presentation.
Police Chief Pavlock said that the police issued several hundred tickets to enforce the
turn restrictions. Chief Pavlock also recommended that the turn restrictions be
permanent because the turn restrictions reduced the traffic volume significantly. The
police did use unmarked cars to observe the compliance of the turn restrictions. The
traffic counts and tickets issued during this period are summarized in the attached memo
dated on 10/27/97. Based on the traffic counts done by Engineering and tickets issued
by the Police, approximately 2% of the motorists that use these intersections got tickets.
Approximately 60% of the motorists that got tickets are residents of the Mount Prospect.
As mentioned by Village Engineer Wulbecker, some drivers were trying to avoid turn
restrictions at Henry/Rand by using Serafine Drive. Chief Pavlock said that the police
would continue to enforce the turn restrictions.
5 -41-
Village Engineer Wulbecker added that he talked to Paul Halverson from the School
District 57. Village Engineer Wulbecker said that Paul Halverson could not attend the
meeting but he wanted the following information passed on to the Safety Commission.
1) School District 57 has no objection to the turn restrictions remaining, ) the tu�m
restrictions did not cause any problems to school bus operations, and 3) since, they can
not predict the redistribution of the student population and the school bus routes In the
future, they reserve the right to discuss this issue in the future.
Following Chief Pavlock's and Village Engineer Wulbecker's presentations, Chairman
Beening offered everyone an opportunity to speak regarding the turn restrictions.
Louis Goodman, 310 N. School St., said that he has no problem with the turn restrictions
and voiced his support for them to remain permanently.
One resident asked that if the traffic counts on Henry included the traffic using Serafine
Drive. Village Engineer Wulbecker responded that the traffic counts were taken between
Albert and Edward and, therefore, included the traffic using Serafine Drive.
Commissioner Mitchell asked that if there are any street signs for Serafine Drive, Mr.
Wulbecker stated that the Village sometime ago vacated Serafine Drive and there are
no public street signs. Public Works Director Andler added that the Village could install
curb on the Albert Street side when Albert Street is scheduled for repair within the next
nine years.
Trustee Wilks asked when Serafine Drive was vacated. Village Engineer Wulbecker
said that he doesn't know the year but that Serafine Drive was vacated a long time ago.
Trustee Wilks also asked why Serafine Drive was vacated. Village Engineer Wulbecker
responded that Serafine Drive was not serving as a public roadway and was not needed,
The property owners agreed to accept the properly. Public Works Director Andler added
that Serafine Drive is not a full width street. Trustee Wilks questioned if motorists are
breaking the law by rasing Serafine Drive. Village Engineer Wulbecker responded that it
is legal to make right turns. from Rand to Serafine. Police Chief Pavlock said, however,
that these cut through movements are similar to using a corner gas station to avoid
congestion at an intersection. Chief Pavlock also said that the police issued several
tickets for drivers' reckless conduct for this. Chief Pavlock added that there is a law on
the books but it is questionable how to enforce the law for this case.
Trustee Hoefert asked where most of the traffic is heading to after they entered the
neighborhood. Village Engineer Wulbecker said that the traffic split almost equally onto
the westbound Owen and the southbound Isabella. Owen and Isabella experienced a
reduction of approximately 100 to 150 cars.
One resident asked what was the impact of the turn restrictions to major intersections in
the area. Village Engineer Wulbecker said that we have not observed any additional
traffic and have not received any complaints due to additional traffic. Village Engineer
Wulbecker stated that traffic increase of this magnitude might not have a significant
impact to major intersections.
Another resident asked whether or not there is a left -turn arrow from eastbound Central
onto Mt. Prospect Road. He stated that this portion of Mt. Prospect Road is short.
6
Village Engineer Wulbecker said that there is a left -turn arrow at the intersection and the
left -turning cars are blocking westbound Central Road. The Illinois Department of
Transportation (IDOT) controls the traffic signals at the intersection. Currently, there is
no traffic control equipment sophisticated enough to solve the problem. Therefore, the
Village discussed with IDOT how to solve the problem. IDOT will review our suggestions
with their traffic signal consultants to find out whether this will solve the problem. The
left-tum from Central Road to Mt. Prospect Road starts the gridlock. Therefore, we are
trying to create longer green time for northbound Mt. Prospect Road traffic at Rand Road
to clear the intersection., Because there are three intersections, we need to set priorities
based on traffic volume. The first priority is Rand Road. The second priority is Central
Road and the last is Mt. Prospect Road. That is the reason why northbound green time
on Mt. Prospect Road is not sufficient. Chairman Beening stated that the problem at Mt.
Prospect/Rand/Central intersections existed before the turn restrictions. Trustee Hoefert
added that drivers turning left from Central to Mt. Prospect Road are aware of the
problem. Police Chief Pavlock said that voluntary compliance is the only way to solve
the problem. Village Engineer Wulbecker felt that we identified the problem and we
hope to solve the problem in the near future.
Mr. Jerry Boldt, 300 N. School St, expressed thanks to all personnel involved in the
implementation of turn restrictions. He said that the restrictions are a tremendous
success even though the restrictions create inconvenience for some of us. He stated
that the turn restrictions reduced traffic significantly during the rush hours. The streets
are safer for children and senior citizens. He added that deterioration of roadway would
be reduced. He recommended that the turn restrictions be permanent.
Chairman Beening explained the following turn restrictions:
1. No Right Turn from Southbound Rand Road onto Isabella Street
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
2. No Right Turn from Southbound Rand Road onto Henry Street
4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
3. No Left Turn from Eastbound Isabella Street onto Rand Road
6:00 AM to 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
4. No Left Turn from Northbound Louis Street onto Rand Road
6:00 AM to 9:00 AM & 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM
5. No Left Turn from Eastbound Henry Street onto Rand Road
6:00 AM to 9:00 AM & 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
All from Monday through Friday
Commissioner Mitchell, seconded by Commissioner Bjork, moved to recommend that
the turn restrictions remain in force permanently.
The motion was approved by a vote of 7-0.
Commissioners Bobikewicz, Bjork, Bures, and Livingston said that the turn restrictions
reduced the cut -through traffic and, therefore, they support the turn restrictions.
Chairman Beening said that he could not decide at the April Safety Commission Meeting
because residents were split 50-50. That was the reason the turn restrictions were
installed as a temporary measure. The result of the traffic counts showed that the cut -
through traffic has been reduced significantly and most of the audience favored the turn
restrictions: Therefore, Chairman Beening said that he supports the turn restrictions.
Commissioner Mitchell said that at the time Gregory Street was'Closed, the traffic report
did'not address cut through traffic in this neighborhood. The traffic report only
address;d how to move cars out of the Kensington Business Center. These turn
restrictions help to solve the cut -through traffic problem.
VL. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss, the Safety Commission voted 7-0 to -adjourn at 10:43 A.M.,
upon the motion of Commissioner Bencic. Buz Livingston seconded the motion.
Respectfully submitted,
Sean Won
Project Engineer
8
VILLAGE OF MOUNT PROSPECT
SAFETY COMMISSION MEETING
ATTENDANCE SHEET
NOVEMBER 1, 1997
NAME ,
Peter Schuster
S. Schuster
Raymond Lundin
H. Lundin
Louis Goodman
Jerry Boldt
Mona Haslap
Doleres Hellertz
Bud Hellertz
K. Richards
John Nichols
Dan Lett
C. Kozat
Richard Kozat
Joyce Usery
Joe Usery
Carol Tortorello
Jim Hoyer
Skip Farley
Tim Corcoran
Paul Hoefert
Dan Nocchi
Irvana Wilks
X:lfileslengineerlsafety_c\min97nov
N
ADDRESS
303 N. William
303 N. William
200 N. William
200 N. William
310 N. School
300 N. School
323 N. Maple
6 N. Edward
6 N. Edward
304 N. School
300 N. Owen
204 N. Owen
227 N. William
227 N. William
222 N. Louis
222 N. Louis
223 S. Elmhurst Ave.
302 N. School
Mayor
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee
Trustee