Install a crosswalk on Smith Rd for safer community access

168

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The Issue

Our family, like many others in our neighborhood, experiences daily challenges simply trying to get our children to school, visit friends, or play at the park due to the lack of a pedestrian crosswalk on Smith Rd. This busy road, unfortunately, does not have any safe, designated crossing points, forcing us to make risky decisions every day for the sake of attending these essential activities.

Smith Rd is a vital arterial road in our community with heavy traffic throughout the day. According to the local traffic department, the average daily traffic volume is over 15,000 vehicles. The absence of a crosswalk not only endangers pedestrians but also contributes to frequent traffic slowdowns, as cars sporadically stop to allow people to cross the road. By installing a well-designed crosswalk, we can significantly improve both pedestrian safety and the flow of traffic.

There are several recommended measures we urge the city council to consider for immediate implementation:

1. Install a pedestrian-activated flashing crosswalk signal at a strategic location along Smith Rd, preferably near the park or school access points.
2. Implement clear signage alerting drivers to pedestrian crossing areas.
3. Introduce speed-reducing measures, such as speed bumps or enhanced road markings, particularly in areas adjacent to schools and parks.

These actions not only protect our children as they commute to and from school but also provide safe access for everyone in our community who wishes to walk or cycle to nearby amenities.

Safe walkability is essential for supporting the health and well-being of our families, reducing traffic congestion, and promoting an environment where our kids can move around without fear or danger. Let's invest in our community's future by ensuring that everyone has safe access to our neighborhoods. Please sign this petition to urge our local representatives to take immediate action on installing a crosswalk on Smith Rd.

The Decision Makers

West Chicago City Council
13 Members
1 Responded
Joseph Morano
West Chicago City Council - Ward 7
“Thank you for reaching out. I understand the safety concerns crossing Smith Road especially during pick up and drop off times, as I currently have 3 kids myself at Norton Creek. I have reached out to our Director of Public works regarding this and he has sent me some communication that he had previously sent out regarding this inquiry that may be of some help. Please know that I will continue to keep this on my radar and report back as I hear anything else that can be done. “My team has reviewed your request. This request is not as simple and straightforward. In order to install ADA compliant pedestrian crossing across Smith Road, it will require careful engineering design to ensure proper grades, sidewalk ramps, signage and striping. The scope for this includes the addition of PCC Sidewalk Ramps that meet ADA standards, modification of existing curb and gutter, advanced signage and RRFBs, pavement markings and other incidental work. Smith Road at Bainbridge Dr as well as at Camden Dr is an uncontrolled intersection. An engineering study should also be performed according to MUTCD Section 3C.02-04 before a marked crosswalk is installed at an uncontrolled approach. The City is planning to apply for grant funding to resurface Smith Road from the City limits to Powis Road. If grant funding is awarded, that would be an ideal time to accommodate your request as the project would require detailed engineering design. If funding is not awarded, the City would still need to resurface Smith in the next 5-years based on its current conditions, which would also present the opportunity to accommodate your request. I understand this is not the outcome you had hoped for and happy to discuss this outcome further should you feel the need to do so.” He followed up again and sent me the below information as well. “The crossing guard request was turned over to the PD. The PD was able to confirm that a school bus option is available to this resident in which the kids will not have to cross Smith Road to get to/from the bus stop at Smith Road and Camden Dr. We evaluated a similar request at another location in the City limits and the cost estimate for that is below. I feel the cost to install a crosswalk across Smith Road will be in this range.” Thank you again for reaching out. Please encourage anyone to reach out to me directly if they have any questions. Best Regards, Alderman Joe Morano [Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.]”
Matthew Myers
West Chicago City Council - Ward 7
John Smith
West Chicago City Council - Ward 5
Daniel Bovey
West Chicago City Mayor
Tracey Hernandez
Tracey Hernandez
West Chicago City Council - Ward 3

Supporter Voices

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