St. Charles Expands 25 MPH Speed Limit to ‘Slow Down, Downtown’
The Illinois Department of Transportation has agreed to lower the speed limit on Main Street/IL Route 64 to 25 mph from 7th Street and 7th Avenue. This expands St. Charles’ present 25 mph zone from 4th Street and 4th Avenue.
IDOT will install new speed limit signs.
In August, the St. Charles Police Department requested IDOT review the speed limit for this stretch of Main St./IL Route 64. The requested speed limit reduction is an effort to calm traffic as it travels through the heart of our downtown. The city is encouraging motorists via a public-information campaign called “Slow Down, Downtown.”
“I am glad staff was able to work with IDOT to get the lower speed zone expanded on Main Street,” said St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina. “It’s important for people to feel safe as they walk or drive through our city and that traffic conditions are conducive to visiting our businesses. Our enforcement strategy and changing the mindset of drivers will be the keys to success on slowing speed on this and all city streets.”
Because IL Route 64 is a state highway, it was necessary for IDOT to conduct an investigation into the speed limit reduction.
“IDOT’s results mirror those of a recent traffic study conducted by the St. Charles Police Department that confirmed vehicles consistently are moving faster through our downtown than the posted speed limit,” said Erik Mahan, commander of the St. Charles Police Department Traffic Division. “By expanding the lower speed zone, it will ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists downtown.”
For more information, contact Mahan at 630-377-4435.
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
