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Residents press council on Highway 50 traffic flow, speed limits and roadside maintenance; city points to IDOT and county jurisdiction
Summary
Public comment raised safety and maintenance concerns about traffic congestion, speed limit changes and tall grass along South Lincoln and Highway 50. City staff said IDOT controls Highway 50 signal timing and that portions of South Lincoln fall under St. Clair County jurisdiction; the city promised to follow up where crews can assist.
Multiple residents told the council on May 19 they are concerned about traffic and roadside maintenance on Highway 50 and South Lincoln. Tommy Yates of Southview Subdivision urged the council to address congestion and what he described as dangerous right-turn lane designs and frequent speed-limit changes that he said impede traffic flow. Tom Leese asked who is responsible for high grass along South Lincoln near the post office.
Council and staff responses clarified jurisdictional limits. A councilmember and staff said the stretch of South Lincoln in question is a St. Clair County road and that the county is responsible for routine mowing, though city crews sometimes cut when the county does not. Another staff member said the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) sets traffic-signal timing on Highway 50; city officials said traffic projects under the Great Streets initiative include upcoming signal-related improvements but that IDOT controls the timing. Residents asked whether speed reductions (from 35 to 30 and 25 mph in places) contributed to slowed flows; councilmembers said the city has limited authority to set speeds on state routes and suggested contacting related agencies for formal requests.
The mayor and city staff invited residents to follow up with the administration for specifics and indicated the city will place mowing and tall-grass locations on a list for crew review where jurisdiction allows. The council did not take formal action on these items during the meeting but recorded the public concern and staff responses.
