Mount Prospect restricts parking on Highland Street

An accident involving a child has led Mount Prospect to re-evaluate traffic along Highland Street.

As a result, the village board has voted to prohibit parking along the south side of Highland Street between Emerson and Elm streets.

The Transportation Safety Commission unanimously recommended approval of the change, which affects a street that gets traffic from both Route 83 and Rand Road.

The south side features single-family homes. The north side has both businesses and the Maple Crest townhouses.

Traffic Engineer Matt Lawrie said that with street parking concentrated in front of the townhouses, residents regularly cross the street there.

Last fall, a child running across the street from north to south was struck by a westbound vehicle.

"It was a low-speed, low-impact collision. Fortunately, there were no injuries to the child," Lawrie said.

Lawrie said traffic volumes and speed were monitored for possible traffic-calming measures. It was determined that the volumes warranted the parking restriction.

He emphasized that since Highland is a collector street, the goal is not to shift traffic elsewhere. However, the move will improve pedestrian safety and stop-sign compliance as well as reduce cut-through traffic, he said.

In addition to the restriction, there will be curb extensions at Maple Street with stop signs closer to the view of drivers. Crews will add parking lane and centerline markings, as well as traffic signs at both ends of the street, to remind visitors that the area is residential and discourage cut-through traffic.