Board endorses RRFB at 9th Street and County Line, asks consultants to review draft placement policy

HINSDALE, Ill. — The Hinsdale Board of Trustees on Tuesday signaled consensus to install a pedestrian-activated rectangular rapid flashing beacon (RRFB) at 9th Street and County Line and directed staff to seek consultant review of a draft placement policy.

Staff said the proposed RRFB meets policy considerations for locations near schools, parks and higher-volume collector streets and noted that the safety and transportation commission issued a positive recommendation for the 9th Street location. The device is similar to existing beacons in the village and operates only when a pedestrian activates it.

A local resident who has worked with Oak School parents told trustees that student pedestrian volumes have increased and that the County Line crossing can be busy and difficult to negotiate without a crossing guard. “9th and County Line can get very busy, especially in the mornings,” the resident said, urging improved pedestrian controls.

Trustees asked staff to send the draft RRFB policy to KLOA, the village consultant, for comment so the board can establish clear placement benchmarks that avoid overuse of the devices in residential neighborhoods. The board agreed to continue studying a second request at 3rd Street and County Line, where sidewalk and engineering changes would be needed before the beacon could be considered.

Next steps: staff will request KLOA’s review of the draft policy, proceed with the 9th Street installation under village-manager authority, and continue evaluation of the 3rd Street site pending additional engineering and accessibility work.