Consultants say Hinsdale downtown ‘operating well’ but recommend signage, crosswalk upgrades and curb changes
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Summary
KLOA presented a downtown traffic-and-pedestrian safety study recommending a phased plan that prioritizes enhanced enforcement, signage and high‑visibility crosswalks and later physical changes (curb extensions, reduced corner radii) to improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicle speeds.
Hinsdale officials heard the findings of a downtown traffic and pedestrian safety study on Feb. 17 that concluded the central business district is functioning well but could be made safer for people on foot.
Michael Worthman, a principal with KLOA, told the Village Board the firm’s counts and crash‑data review show generally low vehicle volumes, low travel speeds (helped by a 20 mph limit), and intersections operating at satisfactory levels of service. The study area covers the central business district roughly bounded by Maple, Garfield, 2nd and Grant.
The consultant proposed a phased approach. Immediate actions (phases 1–2) include increased enforcement of rolling stops and parking violations, upgraded speed‑limit signs with high‑visibility borders, and replacing standard crosswalk striping with ladder‑style (high‑visibility) markings. Later phases would involve construction changes such as curb extensions, removing channelized right‑turn islands and reducing corner radii to shorten crossing distances and slow vehicle turning speeds.
Worthman said removing a mid‑block post office crossing or converting it to a ladder crosswalk would likely improve safety but acknowledged people often take the most convenient route. He also suggested eliminating some channelized free‑flow right turns at intersections adjacent to the railroad crossings to reduce speeds and simplify crossings for people with impaired vision.
Trustees and residents pressed on tradeoffs: enforcement resources, potential impacts on turning capacity, and nighttime conditions associated with valet parking at restaurants. Worthman said the study’s counts captured weekday PM and Saturday midday peak activity and that KLOA can perform targeted follow‑up reviews — for example, to assess lighting or specific nighttime conditions — if the board wants further analysis.
President Hart said staff will circulate a proposed list of signs and striping for the board and committee to review as a first step toward implementation.