99th St. update

I previously wrote about traffic safety issues on 99th St. and the rollout of a speed camera there.

Since then, the camera and some signage have been moved from their original positions. The camera was originally installed at Vanderpoel, one block further east. Now it's closer to the tracks, but is still ineffective for its intended purpose of creating safer conditions for crossing 99th St. Drivers pass the camera, then speed up, often going 30 mph or faster at the Walden crosswalks where they should be following the 20 mph school speed limit.

Notice new position of camera beyond white pickup truck -
moved from 99th/Vanderpoel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Placement of speed limit signs is even more ridiculous now
that they're so close together.

Note the spacing of signs relative to
length of adjacent car.

 

 

 

The park speed limit should start at Walden, not so close to Longwood as to invalidate the school speed limit. The placement of the 2 signs relative to each other was ridiculous before this move and is now farcical.

I was just talking to one of the preschool parents who volunteer at 99th and Walden. They told me that a CPS crossing guard who has been working at 99th and Longwood was hit by a car a few weeks ago. That's why we've been seeing substitutes at that corner in recent weeks.

After all the reckless and sometimes malicious driver behavior I've seen at 99th and Walden over the years, I can't blame the preschool parents for being concerned about safety at the intersection. The streetscape project that was done several years ago does make the area look better, but not adding curb bumpouts and a raised crosswalk was a real missed opportunity. 

Not long after the eastbound speed limit sign spacing was changed, the 30 mph park speed limit sign was removed. Now it's just the 20 mph school speed limit sign - without any warning of the camera.

What's next?

Eastbound signage as of 5/24/24