UPDATE: A long-awaited stop sign has been installed at the perilous intersection of Belmont and Karlov avenues, a measure that follows years of pleas from local residents and multiple accidents. The stop sign, which was placed last Thursday, transforms the intersection into a four-way stop, and many in the community are already expressing relief.
Arlene Luna, the owner of Moonwalker Cafe, has been at the forefront of this push for safer traffic measures. She reported that drivers frequently collided near her café, located at 4101 W. Belmont Ave.. Just last March, a pedestrian and a cyclist were hit only four days apart at this very intersection, raising alarms among local business owners and residents alike.
Luna’s partner, Jack Blue, noted that customers have voiced their feelings of enhanced safety since the installation. “If it’s safer, even if it’s gonna cost people a half a second more, I think it’s worth it,” Blue stated, reflecting a sentiment shared by many. Previously, an incident in April saw a vehicle leap the curb and crash into a neighboring storefront, narrowly avoiding injuries to bus passengers.
The intersection sits at a critical junction where the neighborhoods of Avondale, Irving Park, and Belmont Gardens converge. It is divided between 30th Ward Alderman Ruth Cruz and 31st Ward Alderman Felix Cardona, both of whom have faced pressure to address the dangerous conditions. Cardona has previously indicated that many drivers cut through residential areas to avoid congestion on Pulaski Road.
In a 2023 traffic study, local advocates had requested a stop sign, but the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) initially rejected the proposal, citing that traffic volumes on Karlov are significantly lower than on Belmont. CDOT’s spokesperson, Erica Schroeder, explained that federal guidelines discourage creating four-way stops at intersections with such disparities in traffic flow, warning that it could lead to backups extending into busy intersections.
However, a second traffic study conducted earlier this year prompted the installation of the stop sign, along with a speed camera added in June. Blue expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the speed camera, stating that traffic conditions remained “terrible” despite its presence. He remains hopeful that the new stop sign will significantly improve safety for pedestrians and drivers alike.
The community’s fight for safer streets underscores the urgent need for effective traffic solutions in urban neighborhoods. As residents celebrate this small victory, they remain vigilant for further improvements that could enhance safety and reduce accidents moving forward.
The installation of the stop sign represents a crucial step towards creating a safer environment for all who traverse this busy intersection. Community members are encouraged to stay engaged and voice their concerns as they work towards a more secure urban landscape.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.
