The Homewood Village Board approved the installation of stop signs at the intersection of Cedar Road and Howe Avenue at the June 9 meeting in an effort to improve traffic safety and address concerns raised by residents.

According to Homewood Public Works Director Joshua Burman, the recommendation is to remove the existing yield signs on the northbound and southbound approaches of Howe Avenue at Cedar Road and install stop signs in their place. The change would require an amendment to the village’s traffic regulation schedule.

Seth Bransky, chairman of the village Planning and Zoning Commission and a resident of the Ravisloe neighborhood, brought the issue to the attention of the board at its May 26 meeting. He noted that when the Dixie Highway viaduct floods, residents see an increase in cut-through traffic.

With the impending closure of the viaduct for a drainage improvement project, he said residents would like to see stop signs added at Cedar Street and Howe Avenue to reduce speeding through the neighborhood.

Public Works staff conducted an evaluation and observed that many drivers were not slowing down much or yielding to cross traffic as instructed by the current traffic signs. This increases the risk for vehicle collisions, Burman said. 

Public Works reviews stop sign requests using criteria established in the Illinois Department of Transportation Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Village staff generally bring requests forward when at least two of the manual’s warrants for stop signs are met, he said. 

Staff determined the intersection met the state’s requirements for stop signs after finding the current signs were not effectively managing traffic, he said. 

According to Burman, installing stop signs will improve driver compliance and increase awareness at the intersection. It will also help establish a clearer right-of-way and prevent accidents.