DeKalb council backs redesign of North First Street–Sycamore Road intersection; roundabout dropped from proposal

The DeKalb City Council discussed and endorsed a proposed reconfiguration of the intersection at North First Street and Sycamore Road on Oct. 13, 2025, directing staff to move from conceptual drawings into construction design and return to the council with more detailed plans.

City Manager presented the staff recommendation and emphasized that the current presentation does not include a roundabout: “So the roundabout is not featured in what’s gonna be discussed here tonight.” The designs before council show lane realignment, a protected left turn pocket on the southbound approach, updated pedestrian crossings with audible signals and push buttons, and pavement hatching to provide a protected left‑turn waiting area, all intended to improve safety without expanding the existing curb‑to‑curb width.

The proposal responds to an Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) safety grant that covered the design work on a roughly 90/10 grant match; the city manager said the grant requires the city to provide 10 percent during design and the same 90/10 split would apply to construction if the project proceeds. Staff and the engineering firm WBK prepared alternatives earlier in the year that included oblong roundabout concepts; public concern and limited available land around the Clinton Rosette property shifted staff to the current non‑roundabout alternative.

Why it matters: the corridor carries local traffic to Illinois Route 23 and routes next to Clinton Rosette property, residential frontages and school crossings. Councilors cited pedestrian safety, winter driving conditions and existing signal/pavement configurations that can create sudden lane‑changes. City staff said the reconfiguration shortens crossing distance for pedestrians and replaces an outdated pole signal with modern mast arms and protected crossings.

Council discussion and next steps: Alderman Larson asked whether signaling could provide dedicated left‑turn arrows to reduce queueing; staff said more extensive signal timing and signage will be part of construction drawings. John Laskowski, the city engineer, said he could not yet give a definitive technical recommendation after one week on the job but supported the concept “with the limitations that we have with the land that we have.” Alderman Burbank warned the added marked/hatched lane could be perceived as a passing lane; staff acknowledged that driver behavior is a risk and said that the design aims to reduce conflict points without widening the roadway. Alderman Powell asked about construction timelines; staff estimated completion of construction drawings through the end of the year with bidding possible in the spring and noted construction would be scheduled to avoid peak school traffic.

Staff emphasized some known constraints: underground utilities and ComEd poles limit options for curb expansion; the design team considered a small land clip at the Tim Hortons property and discussed school‑district property but said no school property would be taken. The city said the change would be implemented largely with striping, signage and signal modifications but will require work under live traffic.

Council did not take a binding vote on a construction contract or immediately authorize acquisition of additional right of way. Instead the council expressed general support for the proposed non‑roundabout alternative and asked staff and WBK to advance construction design, prepare clearer plan views for a future presentation, and return with construction drawings and a bid schedule.

Ending: Staff said they will return to the council with detailed construction drawings and signage/marking plans, coordinate scheduling to reduce school‑period disruption, and work with police on an early post‑construction education and enforcement period to help drivers adapt to the new lane configuration.