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Belvidere council to share West 6th speed study with School District 100 after safety questions
Summary
After reviewing a West 6th Street speed study showing thousands of speed readings and occasional high speeds, the Belvidere City Council voted to share the report with School District 100 for consideration of crossing assistance; councilors and the city attorney urged caution about installing unsanctioned stop signs.
The Belvidere City Council Committee of the Whole on Oct. 13 reviewed a traffic study of the West 6th Street corridor and voted to share the findings with School District 100 to explore crossing‑guard or other on‑site safety measures.
Assistant Public Works Director Jordan Keck presented the study and the raw counts: “A total of 53,682 vehicle speeds were recorded … average speed of 23 miles per hour and an 80th‑percentile speed of 29 miles per hour. The highest speed recorded was 55 miles per hour,” he said, and recommended that the posted 25 mph limit and existing intersection controls are appropriate under IDOT and MUTCD criteria.
Council members raised concerns about particular intersections and the absence of a four‑way stop at 6th and 5th near a school. Alderman Peterson pointed out a typographical error in the report’s intersection listing and urged clarity; Keck confirmed the correct location is 6th and 10th.
The city attorney cautioned the council about installing traffic control devices that do not meet statutory warrants, saying such signs can be unlawful and expose the city to liability if a change was not supported by required engineering warrants under the Illinois Vehicle Code.
Alderman Albertini and others asked whether crossing guards operate at the affected intersections; the mayor and Police Chief Woody said crossing guards are present at some locations but not uniformly, and the council agreed staff should approach the school district about possible on‑site measures.
Alderman Peterson moved to share the traffic report with School District 100 so district officials could consider crossing‑guard placement or other mitigations; Alderman Burton seconded. The motion passed on a voice vote. Council did not install new signs at the meeting and deferred further local changes pending follow‑up with the district and, if necessary, committee review.
