Flossmoor officials have approved changes to traffic patterns near Western Avenue School and Flossmoor Park, converting two nearby streets into one-way routes in an effort to improve safety.

The Village Board voted unanimously to approve the plan, which designates Vardon Place as a one-way street westbound from Western Avenue to Brassie Avenue and Brassie Avenue as a one-way street southbound from Vardon Place to Flossmoor Road.

The proposal was presented to the board as a recommendation from the Flossmoor Police Department. An April 6 memorandum from Police Chief Carl Estelle requested consideration of the changes to address ongoing traffic and safety concerns in the area. 

The changes are intended to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow in an area that experiences heavy vehicle and foot traffic during school arrival and dismissal times, as well as during park activities. 

The plan also includes parking restrictions designed to improve visibility, reduce congestion and ensure access for emergency vehicles.

During the board discussion, officials said the area has long presented traffic challenges, particularly during peak school hours and sports seasons, when large numbers of visitors travel to the park. Officials also noted that current traffic patterns and signage can be confusing, especially for those unfamiliar with the area.

The proposal followed outreach efforts that included meetings with School District 161 administrators, Western Avenue School leadership and park district representatives, as well as a neighborhood meeting with residents. 

While officials said school and park representatives supported the proposal, some residents raised concerns about making the current temporary traffic pattern permanent.

Daniel Crespo, a resident who lives near the proposed changes, said he supports improving safety but questioned whether a permanent one-way system is the right approach.

“We’re definitely all in favor of improving the safety,” Crespo said. “But we’re a little bit concerned and confused about the proposal that’s going to be made today to make this a permanent one-way street.” 

Crespo noted that the street already operates as a temporary one-way during school hours, which he said works effectively with the help of crossing guards and police directing traffic.

He also questioned whether the proposal is supported by research, saying he found studies suggesting one-way streets can be less safe than two-way streets and called for additional analysis before making a permanent change.

“Every study we found shows that one-way streets are actually less safe than two-way streets,” Crespo said. 

Police and village officials said they believe the changes will make the area safer for students, residents and visitors by reducing conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.

The new traffic pattern will take effect once signage is installed, according to the memorandum.