Speeding Still Problem On Darien Street: Resident

DARIEN, IL – A resident on Darien's 67th Street on Monday pushed again for more measures to reduce speeding on his street.

"It seems that the speed study has been completed, and a lot has been left to law enforcement in terms of stopping speeding and slowing down drivers," resident Dave Kaduk told the City Council.

According to the city, the study showed that 85 percent of drivers were going 31 mph or less on the street. The limit is 25 mph.

The street is part of the city police's daily patrols, Police Chief Greg Thomas said.

Kaduk, who spoke to the council last fall, acknowledged the study's results, but said he worried about the remaining 15 percent of drivers.

"It's that 15 percent that might be a little worse than your standard residential street," Kaduk said. "We're getting those drivers that are doing 45, 50, 60 mph during morning times when kids are getting on the bus. That's what's concerning to me."

Last year, Kaduk created a "Slow Down 67th" website and a Change.org petition.

At the meeting, Kaduk suggested crosswalks and pedestrian signage on the street.

Dan Gombac, the city's municipal services director, said Darien has been asked to put up "slow children" signs. But such signs can become useless and stale if they're up for years, he said.

"While crosswalks are somewhat effective, they can become obsolete," Gombac said. "It's another maintenance issue, where you have to keep refreshing them when it's really not worth the effort sometimes."

He noted the city was planning to install a traffic light at 67th Street and Clarendon Hills Road in a few months, which may prompt some 67th drivers to choose other routes.

Kaduk said he was looking forward to the light.