By Megann Horstead | For the Bugle
During a March Joliet city council meeting, councilwoman Jan Quillman urged city officials to address traffic conditions at the intersection of Great Ridge Drive and Theodore Street.
Eighteen accidents have been reported at the intersection between January 2013 and February 2016, and now the city is hoping to curb traffic-related incidents by installing traffic signals. A public service committee report discussed at the April 5 council meeting revealed that city staff is planning to correct the issues at Theodore and Great Ridge.
In 2010, city staff first studied the traffic patterns along Theodore Street and recommended the introduction of a system of traffic signals. One of these installations is already in place at the intersection of Theodore Street and River Road.
City staff said three more signals are needed to assist in the coordination of traffic at Wesmere Parkway, Drauden Road and County Line Road.
Once monies become available, the city is expect to finish the installation of traffic signals, which will not require city council approval. The project is expected to be funded using monies allotted toward the 2017 and 2018 municipal budgets.
Scribner Street roadway improvement
Also at the April 5 meeting, the city moved forward with plans to improve roadway conditions on Scribner Street.
After receiving five bids for the construction effort in March, the city decided to back a $477,873.30 lowest bid from Austin-Tyler Construction. Officials will pay for the project using a community block grant and property owner funds after approving the 2015 roadway construction program.
The measure allows the city to finish a portion of the project along Scribner Street.