New crosswalk on State Street

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[A new crosswalk was recently established on State Street near Chester High School. The new crosswalk is located where Swanwick Street and Lincoln Blvd. meet State Street (Route 150). An interested citizen asked Mayor Marty Bert if a crosswalk could be installed at this location to improve safety for Chester High School students crossing the busy State Route. Mayor Bert asked the City Council Streets and Alleys Committee to check into the request.

The Committee agreed that a crosswalk in this area would be beneficial and the Illinois Department of Transportation was contacted since the location involved a State Highway. IDOT Steeleville Yard Technician Mark Gard and District 8 Traffic Operations Engineer Jeff Abel reviewed the request, established a need for the crosswalk and approved the project. IDOT personnel worked with Randy Eggemeyer, Assistant Superintendent of Mainten-ance, to determine the appropriate and safest location for the crosswalk and to mark the chosen site.

Following an initial J.U.L.I.E. call, City Maintenance staff prepared the areas on both sides of State Street by digging out the surface, forming the area, pouring the concrete, installing the handicapped ramp and finishing the concrete. IDOT requires proper A.D.A. compliance for crosswalks which includes the textured finish and a sidewalk on each side of the roadway. Due to the winter weather and cold temperatures, the work area needed to be protected from freezing with insulated blankets prior to and following the pouring of the concrete. The IDOT Sign Shop Personnel completed the project by applying the white marking lines and installing the signage. The white lines are applied using preformed thermal plastic containing reflective glass beads. The material is positioned on the pavement and a propane torch is used to melt it in place causing it to actually melt into the asphalt surface. Reflective glass beads are also applied to the road surface within the crosswalk area. Bright signs were installed at the crosswalk location and in advance of it from both directions on State Street. The maintenance of the new crosswalk is now the responsibility of the City of Chester.

Motorists are reminded to be aware of this newly established crosswalk and to use caution especially during times students are heading to and from CHS. Remember, according to state law, when a pedestrian is in a crosswalk, motorists must yield at all times to the pedestrian.

The City of Chester appreciates the research by the Streets and Alleys Committee members, the cooperation and prompt attention from IDOT personnel, and the skilled work by city staff to complete this safety improvement. The City of Chester commends the local resident for expressing this safety concern for pedestrians and taking action to make the request. Recommendations from residents regarding safety issues and areas for improvement are welcome and residents should call Mayor Marty Bert at 826-5114 to suggest or discuss topics to improve areas around town.