Byron Council Moves Forward With Route 2 Speed Study Request

BYRON – The Byron City Council’s Community Service Committee last week approved moving forward with a resolution asking the Illinois Department of Transportation to conduct a speed study on Route 2 through Byron. The discussion centered on concerns about the quick change from 45 mph to 35 mph near the viaducts and Kaiser Drive, where officials said the signs are close together and large trucks may have difficulty slowing down. IDOT officials told the city the speed issue could eventually be addressed when Route 2 is rebuilt, but that project remains unfunded and could be years away. City officials said a formal resolution will be needed before IDOT will consider the study. Staff will gather accident information, speed data, resident concerns and other supporting information for the resolution. The committee voted unanimously to have city staff prepare the resolution and collect the necessary data.