Kewanee adopts regional Vision Zero traffic-safety plan to guide street planning and grant applications

The Kewanee City Council unanimously adopted Resolution Bill 25-50 on May 27, 2025, endorsing the Quad Cities-Kewanee-Muscatine Traffic Safety Action Plan and a Vision Zero commitment to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries by about 2% per year toward an ultimate goal of zero.

City Manager Gary Bradley said adoption does not, in itself, obligate the city to specific duties or funds but will help the city remain eligible for federal grants and give staff data to make streets safer and more traffic-friendly during maintenance and planning efforts. "These are ‘good faith’ agreements to show that each entity is willing to work with the other to better the community," Bradley said.

The plan grew from a Safe Streets for All grant that convened municipalities in the region to identify locations and countermeasures for frequent or severe crashes. Bradley told the council that the city will continue to meter water and track costs for intergovernmental park projects, and that the Vision Zero adoption will aid future grant applications and planning priorities.

Resident Joel Hasse, during public comment earlier in the meeting, told the council drivers on Willard Street often speed and fail to make full stops; Deputy Police Chief Minx spoke with Hasse at the meeting. Council communications later reiterated the council’s interest in improving local streets and promoting safety.

The resolution passed 5-0. Implementation steps noted by staff include integrating plan recommendations into street maintenance and pursuing grant opportunities to implement countermeasures. Public Works and Transportation staff will report on integration progress and safety metrics as follow-up.