Submitted By
Bill McKenna, Village Engineer
Reviewed By
LKS
Agenda Item Title
Title
An Ordinance Establishing a Maximum Speed Limit of Twenty Five Miles Per Hour on Madison Street by Amending Section 15-1-10 (“Speed Limits”) of the Oak Park Village Code
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Overview
Overview
The Madison Street resurfacing and reconstruction project is nearing completion. As part of this project, the speed limit on Madison is proposed to be reduced from thirty (30) miles per hour to twenty five (25) miles per hour. The Ordinance revised Village Code 15-1-10 to establish this new lower speed limit on Madison Street.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Ordinance.
Fiscal Impact
There is no fiscal impact to lowering the speed limit on Madison. Signage for the reduced speed limits is included in the construction contract for the Madison Street project.
Background
Construction of the Madison Street resurfacing and reconstruction project is nearing completion this fall. This construction project was approved by the Village Board on November 26, 2018. This project in which five lanes (including a landscaped median strip and turn lanes) are reduced to three lanes (including a center turn lane) with bike lanes, as well as streetscape amenities. The streetscape amenities include new pedestrian street lighting, furniture, sidewalks and crosswalk enhancementsis the conversion to a three-lane segment consisting of two through-lanes and a center two-way left-turn lane. This project will increase safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
Alternatives
The alternative to this recommendation could be to delay action to gain additional information.
Previous Board Action
In October 2010, the Village Board adopted a Resolution supporting the “Complete Streets” concept which recommends that a Village-wide policy be crafted. The Consultant has incorporated this concept into their streetscape recommendation for Madison Street. The complete streets concept is to provide equal opportunity to all modes of transportation which includes bicycling, vehicular, pedestrian, public transportation in order to reduce traffic congestion while improving air quality and in general quality of life.
On November 22, 2010, the Village Board approved a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of a Contract with Altamanu, Inc. to Prepare Streetscape Design Scenarios for Madison Street for Phase 1.
In December 2010, the Consultant began work on this project. In early December 2010 staff recommended, and the Board supported, a Committee that consisted of the Madison Street Coalition members as well as various staff for a total of seventeen (17) members. On the most part, this Committee met each month, sometimes twice a month throughout the process until such a time the Consultants had a final product.
In April 2011, the Consultants presented to the Madison Street Business Association. Their reaction was positive.
In May and June 2011, the Committee along with the Consultant held two public input meetings at Julian Middle School. Approximately 2,500 postcards were mailed to property and business owners along the corridor. Public reaction was mixed. Some concerns were; the project would create more traffic in adjacent neighborhoods, there is a need for a wider roadway for quick trips from one end of Madison Street to the other, and there is a need for more parking for businesses. Those in favor suggest the new street would improve safety for children as many cross Madison Street, safer street for bicyclists, more green space, reduced speeds, etc.
On November 28, 2011, the consultants, staff, and steering committee presented their findings and recommendations for street modifications. The modifications include the “complete streets” concept adopted by the Village Board in which five lanes (including a landscaped median strip and turn lanes) are reduced to three lanes (including a center turn lane) with bike lanes, as well as streetscape amenities. The streetscape amenities include new pedestrian street lighting, furniture, sidewalks and crosswalk enhancements. The Village Board had several questions for staff and the consultants from this meeting. The responses were provided in early December 2011.
On January 3, 2012 the Village Board adopted a Complete Streets Policy for Village Capital Improvement Projects and Public Improvement Design.
On April 4, 2012, another presentation was made to provide the Village Board with additional requested information and to solicit further direction. Staff recommended that the Village Board support the Committee’s recommendation and proceed with further discussion on streetscape development, whether full development or partial development of the corridor.
On July 29, 2013, Staff presented three street enhancement alternatives for Village Board consideration at a Study Session.
On April 13, 2015, staff gave a presentation to the Village Board on the Madison Street enhancement project along with an overview of the TIF District, zoning, and economic development.
On June 29, 2015, staff gave a presentation to the Village Board on the Madison Street enhancement project and phased implementation plan.
On September 8, 2015, the Village Board approved agreements with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. for Design Engineering, with Altamanu, Inc. for Landscape Architectural Services, and with V3 Companies of Illinois Ltd. for Surveying Services for the Madison Street Streetscape project.
On April 18, 2016, the Village Board approved an Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. for the design engineering for the Madison Street Streetscape and road diet project for an additional $360,858
On June 13, 2016 staff presented a review of the Madison Street Streetscape Corridor Design to the Village Board.
On October 29, 2018 staff presented the Madison Street Improvement Project including the road diet to the Village Board for discussion.
On November 26, 2018 the Village Board approved a Contract with K-Five Construction Corp. for Project 19-12, Madison Street Improvements, in an Amount not to Exceed $6,250,000.
On November 26, 2018 the Village Board approved a Professional Services Agreement with Edwin Hancock Engineering Co. for Phase III Construction Engineering for the Madison Street Improvement Project in an Amount Not To Exceed $459,007
On November 26, 2018 staff presented a follow-up discussion of the Madison Street Improvement project to address questions from the October 29, 2018 meeting and to provide more information regarding median island removals and traffic concerns. Separate agenda items for the construction contract and construction management will be presented for consideration at this same meeting.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
None at this time.