Wethersfield School Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brooks says it’s time something is done to better protect students using the crosswalk on the four-lane highway at Tenney and McClure streets to get to and from school and lunch.
Dr. Brooks told the Wethersfield Board of Education at its October meeting Thursday that he contacted State Rep. Travis Weaver (R-93) who, in turn, forwarded his concerns to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Last month crossing guard Diane Groy was honored with a commendation from the district for protecting students passing through the crosswalk who found themselves in the path of a van turning left from McClure Street. The van narrowly missed the students.
A witness reported seeing the driver was talking on a cell phone at the time. Groy, who has guarded the crossing for the past 27 years, said it was far from the first time a vehicle has passed through the intersection while both she and students were walking across two of the busiest highways in the state, Illinois Highway 78 and U.S. Route 34 with near misses occurring often.
Dr. Brooks said he is concerned that the intersection is only a few feet from school property and is not better protected.
Currently there are no signs on the four lanes specifically indicating a school zone on Tenney Street as it passes by the school. Lime green unlettered signs with black figures of two students walking are posted in the 400 block of Tenney south of the intersection and along the southbound lane in the 300 block north of the crosswalk.
Under state law, speeding and other traffic offenses are taken more seriously and held to a higher standard in a properly designated school zone. The fine for a first offense is $150 and $300 for the second, plus fees and court costs in both cases.
The alleged offender is also required to appear in court. The speed limit is also lowered to 20mph in a posted school zone on school days during the hours when children are present. The speed limit on Tenney Street is currently posted at 35mph as it passes the school.
Dr. Brooks said he has discussed the problem with City Administrator Gary Bradley and Police Chief Stephen Kijanowski and both are on board with anything that will make the crosswalk safer for students.
Dr. Brooks has also suggested extending the time pedestrians have to get across all four lanes with the green light staying on only 30 seconds after the crossing guard presses a button which automatically turns the light green when students need to cross.
Brooks said he hopes IDOT can install better signage, possibly with red flashing lights that would alert motorists to what’s ahead.
