Following complaints, Yorkville to install flashing pedestrian warning sign at Kennedy Road intersection

Traffic study concludes intersection at Emerald Lane does not meet threshold for multi-way stop sign.

The Yorkville City Council unanimously voted to enhance signage telling drivers to stop for pedestrians at the intersection of Kennedy Road and Emerald Lane following complaints from residents.

New flashing pedestrians signs and pavement markings will be installed at the intersection on the city’s northeast side as recommended by a traffic study conducted by the city.

With multiple parks and Autumn Creek Elementary School near the intersection, the 45 mph speed limit along Kennedy Road raised safety concerns from citizens, according to officials. The flashing signs, known as RRFBs, will cost between $20,000 and $25,000 and allow pedestrians to press a button on the sign to signal to oncoming traffic.

“This can give people a false sense of hope,” said Alderman Jason Peterson, whose ward contains the intersection. “Just because you push the button and you start to walk out, does not mean that cars are going to automatically stop.”

The city’s traffic study concluded that the intersection did not need a multi-way stop sign. Vehicle and pedestrian counts as well as accident reports did not meet the threshold that would warrant more signage, per a memo from city staff.

“Make sure you’re looking both,” Peterson said. “People are on their phones. They’re not paying attention. We’ve seen it a million times in this area.”