By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
Get our newsletter
ROCKFORD — An intersection where a woman was struck and killed by a car last month will undergo pedestrian safety improvements next week.
The city has contracted with N-Trak of Loves Park to install new pedestrian signals and crossings at the intersection of East State Street and New Towne Drive. Sidewalk will also be built along New Towne to connect to the existing sidewalk south of East State Street. Accessible curb ramps will also be installed at the intersection. The work is set to begin Monday.
“We hope this is another measure that helps save lives,” Mayor Tom McNamara said. “We are investing heavily into pedestrian safety, cycling safety, throughout our entire community.”
Related: Rockford to reconstruct Chestnut Street, add bike lanes
The $479,500 intersection improvements are among several pedestrian safety initiatives the city hopes to make in that corridor. It received a $268,400 grant through the Region 1 Planning Council to fill in sidewalk gaps between Alpine Road and New Towne. It is working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to make preparations for that project.
“We’re doing everything we can to make pedestrian safety a priority, but the citizens have to do their part, too,” said Jeremy Carter, the city’s traffic and development engineer. “Crossing at intersections, being defensive pedestrians and not just assuming that cars are going to stop because you’re in the crosswalk. Pay attention, look both ways and do the things that our parents taught us when we’re crossing the street.”
Related: Here’s a look at key projects in the largest capital improvement plan in Rockford history
(story continues below photo)
The improvements to the intersection at State and New Towne have been in the works for more than two years, but that area got more attention last month after Tikarra McGee of Rockford died after being struck by a vehicle while walking across the intersection around 1 a.m. March 6. The mother of three was 30 years old.
“We want to fill all these stretches to ensure that pedestrians and cyclists and all modes of transportation are safe in our community because one fatality is too many,” McNamara said.
The intersection improvements are part of $48 million worth of roadwork the city is tackling this summer after passing the largest capital improvement plan in its history.
“You’re also going to see a lot of sidewalks being built, especially in areas that sidewalks traditionally have not been,” McNamara said. “That’s an ongoing effort by the city of Rockford to fill in gaps that have long needed sidewalks. It’s inexcusable that these areas don’t have them.”
Related: ‘I’ve seen hubcaps go flying off’: 11th Street drivers dodge these tracks. Now a fix is coming
This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on Twitter at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas.