Trenton eyes speed limit change over stop signs at intersection

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Written by Bryan Hunt - Breese Journal Reporter

Motorists negotiate the intersection of Broadway and Main Street in downtown Trenton on the afternoon of Feb. 14. City councilors, at the Feb. 10 council meeting, discussed making the intersection a four-way stop intersection, but opted to pursue lowering the speed limits, a move that will need the approval of the Illinois Department of Transportation. (Photo by Bryan Hunt)    Trenton's City Council, in discussions at their Feb. 10 council meeting, opted toward a lower speed limit through the business district, rather than changing the intersection of Main Street and Broadway to a four-way stop.
    The issue was brought up for discussion by mayor Kyle Jones, and comes on the heels of a recent meeting between Illinois Department of Transportation officials, Trenton city administrator John Marquart and public works superintendent Kurt Wehrle.
    Broadway is maintained by the state. The change in speed limits has to be submitted to and approved by IDOT.
    Marquart said that the Illinois Department of Transportation would consider [the stop sign request], but the city has to provide documentation to IDOT "as it relates to our request."
    Marquart said IDOT would be a stickler for it, if it was a main-line IDOT road, but with the existence of New U.S. Route 50 just to the north, "they're a little more lenient in terms of what it is that they would" improve.
    He said IDOT, he believes, will work with the city "a little bit better, than if this was New Route 50." He said it is a separate request than from a requested permit on an overall project.
    "But if this is something that you want to consider, now is the time to do this" so that the city can get IDOT to approve a permit for an overall project.
    Marquart said IDOT would look at the project as going toward the safety of pedestrians, the safety of cars, turning radiuses of delivery vans and semitrailers that come through that intersection.
    "We're talking about four stop signs? Absolutely not," said Alderman Brent Woods.

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