Does This Naperville Intersection Need A 4-Way Stop Sign?

NAPERVILLE, IL — The Naperville City Council will have a first reading at its upcoming meeting to discuss an ordinance that would allow a four-way stop sign at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and West Street.

Currently, the intersection, which is just north of Centennial Park, has a two-way stop sign and is zoned for such. A pedestrian pathway on West Street connects Jefferson to Jackson to Centennial Park.

A 2021 Westside Neighborhood traffic study showed that there were six crashes at the intersection between 2016 and 2018. Two of those crashes involved injuries, the study showed.

The study stated, "There is no discernible pattern for the crashes at the Jefferson Avenue/West Street intersection that would be correctable by design changes." At that time, staff recommended that the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and West Street remain a two-way stop.

In the study, residents who lived nearby had raised concerns over drivers in the area ignoring posted speed limits and not coming to a complete stop. They also mentioned that left turns onto Jefferson took a longer time during school dismissal times and rush hour.

Following the four-way stop ordinance's first reading and discussion, city staff will be directed to prepare a traffic report for the intersection, according to meeting documents. The report, set to be shared at the June 17 city council meeting, will include "traffic-calming measures that could be implemented to address vehicle speeds along Jefferson Avenue from River Road to Mill Street."

The June 3 council meeting will convene at 7 p.m. in the Naperville Municipal Center's City Council Chambers.