As a result of several recent crashes at the intersection of 183rd Street and Center Avenue, Homewood staff is implementing new measures to improve the safety of the intersection.
Starting on Friday, Aug. 7, public works crews will install flexible posts on the centerline of 183rd Street at Center Avenue to prohibit left turns onto Center and onto 183rd Street.
The posts will also prohibit vehicles from crossing 183rd Street northbound and southbound at Center Avenue. Right turn only signs will be installed on Center Avenue. No left turn at Center Avenue signs also will be installed on 183rd Street.
There have been three crashes at the intersection since July 22. One person was killed and two were injured.
Village staff have also implemented several other changes to improve safety in that area.
- The timing of the traffic light at Aberdeen and 183rd streets has been modified to change to red at frequent intervals in addition to changing to red only when a car triggers the imbedded road sensor. This will require cars to stop at the intersection more frequently.
- Since July 14, the Homewood Police Department has conducted more than 300 traffic stops on 183rd Street resulting in the issuance of either a warning notice or ticket.
- Public Works has installed sensors on 183rd Street to gather additional data on vehicle speed and traffic volume.
Three trees in the parkway on the north and south sides of 183rd Street will be removed on Friday to improve sightlines for motorists.
Public Works is currently conducting an engineering review to determine various options to improve safety.
It should be noted that police records show there have been four fatalities on 183rd Street since 2007.