Residents urge board to act after repeated crashes on Lincoln Road

Residents from Johnsburg and McHenry County urged the McHenry County Board on June 16 to take action to slow traffic and improve safety on Lincoln Road, describing repeated crashes, damaged property and increasing pedestrian exposure.

"Something has to be done on Lincoln Road," said John Ripkey, who lives at 1407 West Lincoln Road. Ripkey described multiple accidents that damaged fences and vehicles and said the posted 40 mph limit has not reduced dangerous driving. "Tell me what to do. I will do whatever. I just need some direction here on how to proceed to slow the traffic down on Lincoln Road."

Kathleen Dam described a recent crash she witnessed near a child on a bicycle and urged the board to reduce the speed limit to 30–35 mph. "It's bound to happen," she said, arguing that the road’s sharp curve and lack of sidewalks create a high risk for a serious crash.

Retired law enforcement chief Joe Brumlick, who identified himself as a former chief of police, supported a 35 mph limit and asked the county to install radar-activated speed-warning signs to reduce speeds immediately. "Signs alone do not change behavior, which is why radar-activated speed displays are critical," he said, citing studies that show such signs can reduce average speeds by 5–7 mph.

Board members did not take an immediate vote on traffic engineering changes during the meeting. The board's agenda advanced to other business after public comment; board members and staff present noted jurisdictional complexity on Lincoln Road and the need for additional study and coordination with local police and adjacent municipalities before formal action.

The commenters urged faster enforcement and clearer county direction for residents seeking traffic-calming measures, including where to submit formal requests for stop signs or further speed-limit evaluations. The county did not state a specific timetable for next steps during the meeting.