Council approves lowering Bridge Street speed limit to 35 mph after debate over study and golf-cart access

Monticello — The City Council voted to lower the posted speed limit along a segment of Bridge Street from 45 mph to 35 mph, approving Ordinance 2025-56 on Aug. 11 after public comment and council debate. The ordinance amends Chapter 76, Schedule 4 (speed limits other than 30 miles per hour) to reduce the speed from Front Street westerly to 800 feet northwest of the intersection with Old Route 47. The Monticello Police Department recommended the change, citing roadway-safety concerns and anticipated increased traffic from future park development. A resident, Jerry Schuff, urged the council to ensure the change follow the statutory requirement for an engineering or traffic investigation, citing Illinois law that limits local alteration of speed limits to determinations made ‘‘upon the basis of engineering or traffic investigation.’’ Schuff, who said he previously worked as a county engineer, told the council that without a proper study tickets might be contested in court. Council members debated safety benefits against residents' opposition. Several members said they had heard public concern — one council member cited a Facebook poll of about 20 respondents in which about 75% opposed the change — and urged a formal traffic study before any change. Others said the police had presented accident data for nearby intersections and argued that lowering the limit ahead of the park opening was prudent. Council consideration also focused on an operational effect: Illinois rules allow low-speed vehicles such as golf carts on roads posted 35 mph and under. Some council members raised the prospect that setting a 35 mph limit could open Bridge Street to golf-cart traffic, a point city staff said they could address through signage and separate policy if desired. During roll call the ordinance passed 4-3. Votes recorded in the transcript were: Ms. Lively, yes; Ms. Hume, yes; Mr. Burrows, yes; Mr. Broderick, yes; Mr. Reid, no (gave "mixed emotions"); Mr. Carey, no; and one council member listed in the minutes as "Mr. ****," no. After the vote, staff noted signage and education would be required before enforcement and that there is a statutory enforcement buffer (the police noted they do not use speed-detecting devices within 500 feet, described in the meeting as 504 feet, of a sign change). The ordinance will take effect after necessary signage is installed and any education period required by city practice; the council recorded no formal direction in the meeting transcript to commission a new engineering study prior to posting the signs.