City of St. Charles Trying to Slow Traffic Through Downtown
The city of St. Charles is asking drivers to slow down on IL Route 64, also known as Main Street in downtown St. Charles.
To put some teeth into the plan as well as reminders to drivers, temporary radar speed display signs be being installed and extra patrols will be out and about, ensuring the the laws are followed.
The city is piggybacking that enforcement with the public campaign encouraging motorists to “Slow Down Downtown.”
A recent traffic study conducted by the St. Charles Police Department confirmed that between 4th Street and 4th Avenue, vehicles consistently are moving faster than the posted 25 MPH speed limit. St. Charles Police Department Traffic Division Cmdr. Erik Mahan said he hopes the temporary radar speed signs posted on Main Street will remind drivers to slow down.
“Our local Main Street is a state highway that also connects other state highways nearby — namely Illinois Routes 31 and 25. So Main Street does accommodate a lot of vehicle and truck traffic,” Mahan said. “We want to make sure whether you are walking or driving in downtown St. Charles, it’s a safe, comfortable experience.”
St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina said the study pointed to potentially calming traffic through the downtown by expanding the 25 MPH zone to 7th Street and 7th Avenue.
“It is my goal to work with staff to convince the Illinois Department of Transportation to expand the 25 MPH speed limit zone,” he said. “I believe it would encourage foot traffic and be favorable to our downtown businesses.”
For more information, contact Mahan at 630-377-4405.
About the City of St. Charles
Friendly neighborhoods, diverse retailers, international employers, innovative schools, beautiful parks, varied cultural amenities, and unique architecture have earned St. Charles its reputation as the Pride of the Fox. Located in both DuPage and Kane counties, the City of St. Charles is 35 miles west of downtown Chicago, and has a population of approximately 33,000. More than 1,800 businesses, consisting of a balanced mix of retailers, restaurants and manufacturing facilities, employ more than 18,000 people. The City of St. Charles was named the #1 City for Families by Family Circle® magazine in 2011; one of the “150 Great Places in Illinois,” by the AIA Illinois; and one of the “Top 10 Towns To Live In” by West Suburban Living magazine. www.stcharlesil.gov
SOURCE: city of St. Charles news release
