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Residents press board on Concord Road safety near new park; trustees order interim signage and enforcement
Summary
Residents and trustees debated pedestrian safety on Concord Road near a partially opened park. Staff reported ~1,500 cars per day and recommended interim crosswalk signage, striping and targeted enforcement now, with a re‑evaluation in spring when phase 2 opens. No formal ordinance was passed; board directed staff to implement interim measures.
Residents and trustees engaged in a lengthy discussion about pedestrian safety on Concord Road adjacent to a two‑phase park project. The board heard petitions and questions from residents about speed, crossing safety and whether posted limits and traffic controls should change.
Director Wolf reviewed the village’s sidewalk gap program and said staff recommended adding pedestrian crossing signs and striping crosswalks at key points (Thunder Gulch and Menardos) rather than immediately lowering the posted speed on Concord, which staff described as a minor collector designed to carry higher volumes. Staff told the board the DuPage Water discussion earlier was separate; on Concord, staff said they "only completed phase 1 of the park" and that phase 2 (including a splash pad and restrooms) will likely increase pedestrian use.
In response to resident concerns, staff cited engineering warrants and electronic counter data gathered for seven days; the study figure presented in the meeting was about 1,500 cars per day on Concord. Residents and trustees disputed whether that level of traffic or the side‑street volumes warranted stop signs, and several asked for electronic traffic counters and more enforcement. One trustee asked why a stop sign would be installed only when side‑street traffic met warrant criteria rather than to prioritize pedestrian safety.
The board directed staff to implement interim high‑visibility measures (striping, additional signage and targeted police enforcement, including flashing signs or temporary devices) to call driver attention to new pedestrian conflicts, and to return with further evaluation next spring after the park is fully open. Trustees emphasized relying on data and warrants for permanent traffic control devices but said immediate steps should prioritize pedestrian safety.
No formal vote or ordinance change was enacted at the meeting; the board gave staff direction to proceed with interim improvements and monitoring.
