BACKGROUND
The Village has received multiple requests to review the traffic patterns and accidents occurring in the neighborhood north of Recreation Park bounded by Arlington Heights Road on the west, Euclid Avenue on the north, Douglas Avenue on the east and Miner Street on the south. The streets in this neighborhood are laid out in a conventional grid pattern. Most neighborhoods in Arlington Heights typically have long blocks in the north-south direction and short blocks east-west, but the layout of the streets in this Rec Park neighborhood are all short blocks.
With the busy streets of Arlington Heights Road as the western boundary and Euclid Avenue as the north boundary, the traffic through the neighborhood has resulted in some accidents occurring at certain intersections. Although the number of these incidents was not at a consistent rate or indicative of specific recurring trends, residents within the neighborhood expressed concerns that the accident rates were exacerbated by motorists cutting through the neighborhood.
The Village conducted a thorough review of accident reports, vehicle volume data, and intersection sight distance. After careful consideration, implementation of an alternating 2-way stop signage pattern is suggested for this neighborhood for a one year trial period to evaluate if this approach has a positive effect on accident rates and addresses residents’ concerns about traffic safety. The Village will monitor the performance of these signs through speed studies, traffic volume counts, and accident data to compare “before” and “after” conditions. By analyzing these studies, the Village will be able to determine the effectiveness of the new signage.
Based on the results of the analysis, a final recommendation on the signs will be brought back before the Village Board.
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Village Board approve an ordinance to create the following traffic control:
Two-way stop sign control for Fremont Street to stop for Pine Avenue
Two-way stop sign control for Pine Avenue to stop for St. James Street
Two-way stop sign control for Eastman Street to stop for Pine Avenue
Two-way stop sign control for Belmont Avenue to stop for Eastman Street
Two-way stop sign control for Fremont Street to stop for Haddow Avenue
Two-way stop sign control for Haddow Avenue to stop for St. James Street
Two-way stop sign control for Eastman Street to stop for Haddow Avenue
The remaining streets already have the two-way stop control in place. It is recommended that the signage be implemented for a one year trial period during which time the performance of the intersections will be evaluated. Based on the analysis of the trial period, a recommendation on the status of the sign trial will be brought back before the Village Board.
It is also recommended that the following existing ordinances be repealed: Ordinance #98-081, which established a 2-way stop sign control for Eastman Street to stop for Belmont Avenue, and Ordinance #13-034, which established a yield sign control for Fremont Street to yield to Pine Avenue.