Citing safety for motorists and pedestrians alike, St. Charles Mayor Ray Rogina recently announced that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has completed its authorization to lower the speed limit on Main Street, Illinois Route 64, with new signage planned.
The decision, a culmination of a process initiated in August 2016, will expand the existing 25 MPH zone from its current range — between 4th Street and 4th Avenue — to the area bordered by 7th Street and 7th Avenue. IDOT will provide new speed limit signs, according to a news release.
“I am glad staff was able to work with IDOT to get the lower speed zone expanded on Main Street,” Rogina said. “It’s important for people to feel safe … and that traffic conditions are conducive to visiting our businesses. Our enforcement strategy and changing the mindset of drivers will be the keys to success on slowing speed on this and all City streets.”
IDOT’s involvement was required because Main Street is also a state highway. St. Charles Police Department Commander Erik Mahan, who leads the traffic division, described the state’s conclusion as concurrent with the city’s own perception that drivers were regularly exceeding the posted speed limit.
“By expanding the lower speed zone, it will ensure the safety of pedestrians and motorists downtown," Mahan said.
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