Stop signs near Kelly Street Bridge in Streator to be voted on at next meeting

The Streator City Council is set to vote on a proposal to install stop signs at the intersection of Prairie Court following concerns raised by residents about traffic safety in the area.

City Engineer Jeremy Palm presented the issue Wednesday to the City Council, with a petition from Streator residents who had concerns regarding speeding vehicles and limited visibility at the intersections near the Kelly Street Bridge, which is expected to reopen this year.

The petition explained the need to protect pedestrians and slow down traffic, especially for northbound drivers on VanBuren Street.

“Before the bridge was closed, I know there were complaints from people on the north side, particularly on Kelly Street, about speeding. A stop sign could certainly help slow traffic down once the bridge reopens and traffic increases.

—  David Reed, Streator City Council member

A memo from City Engineer Jeremy Palm detailed the sight distance at both the Bluff Street and Prairie Court intersections is limited because of grade changes and obstacles. This reduced visibility makes it difficult for drivers turning onto VanBuren from both intersections.

The review found that visibility on Bluff Street is 190 feet, which is significantly below the 280 feet recommended by Illinois Department of Transportation for local intersections. Prairie Court faces a similar visibility issue from houses and utility poles.

The item was up for discussion only Wednesday. Some favored adding stop signs at both intersections, while others suggested that traffic warning signs, such as “intersection ahead,” might be more effective.

Ultimately, Prairie Court was seen as the more favorable location by some council members, with its placement providing an earlier opportunity to slow northbound traffic before it reaches Bluff Street.

“I think placing the stop sign at Prairie Court would help slow traffic earlier as drivers approach the hill,” Palm said. “It’s a location where slowing down sooner could make more sense.”

Residents have been vocal in their support for the stop signs for awhile, particularly with the upcoming reopening of the Kelly Street Bridge. Councilman David Reed said he remembers residents being concerned about the speed of traffic in the area before the bridge was closed.

“Before the bridge was closed, I know there were complaints from people on the north side, particularly on Kelly Street, about speeding,” Reed said. “A stop sign could certainly help slow traffic down once the bridge reopens and traffic increases.”

Following the discussion, council officially decided to put the item on the agenda for its next meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at Streator City Hall, 204 S. Bloomington St.

In addition to the stop sign proposal, the council also will discuss other signage options, including intersection warning signs at the upcoming meeting.