Lombard puts brakes on lower speed limit

Lombard leaders have decided to hold off on lowering speed limits on local streets.

Village officials had revived the idea in August of pursuing a 25 mph limit but have determined the move would be too costly.

A communitywide study would cost roughly $20,000 and new signs would run another $70,000, public works director Carl Goldmsith said. Another potential wrinkle is that the study may reveal, based on the majority of motorists' habits, that speed limits actually should be increased, he said.

Periodic study by village staff revealed the existing conditions would not meet the state's criteria required to lower the speed limit.

"It's something we need to watch," Village President William Mueller said. "It's important residents know we have a concern about this."

Trustee Rick Soderstrom said, "In principle, I agree with speed reduction. But given costs ... it's probably not prudent to move forward at this time."

Village officials revived the idea after continuing to get periodic requests from residents seeking lower speed limits on individual streets in various areas of the community. Officials believe it is illogical to require motorists to drive 25 mph on collector roads such as Maple and Madison streets, but then allow them to drive 30 mph down side streets such as Fairfield and LaLonde avenues.

"It becomes a dangerous situation," Mueller said. "It's a safety issue."

Police Chief Ray Byrne supports the idea, saying the different speed limits are inconsistent.

"In the future we might want to look (again) at a communitywide speed limit," he said.

In the meantime, trustees will continue to consider lowering the speed on individual streets where speeding is problematic.