Letter to the Editor: Traffic signals at 25th and Broadway are poor use of funds

I realize I’m revisiting an old debate, but I was shocked to learn that the Quincy City Council unanimously approved spending $400,000 to reinstall the traffic signal at 25th and Broadway.

While I understand that businesses at that intersection may appreciate the signal, traffic warrants do not justify it. Simply put, there is very little traffic on 25th Street. Why disrupt the flow of Quincy’s most important east-west thoroughfare for an unnecessary signal?

If a signal is being reinstated at 25th & Broadway, why not also add one at 28th & Broadway, another difficult crossing? Or at 13th & Broadway, where accessing McDonald’s can be a challenge? Where does it end? This $400,000 project — regardless of how much the city directly contributes — comes with ongoing maintenance costs for a signal that never should have been there in the first place.

A History of Poor Decisions

As I recall, the original signal at 25th & Broadway was installed to assist children crossing near the former Madison School on Maine Street. At the time, a flashing light (possibly yellow) was in place. As traffic signal regulations changed, those lights were deemed non-compliant. Instead of removing them, the city opted to install full traffic signals — not due to traffic volume but for pedestrian safety. This decision made little sense then and makes even less sense now.

This project represents not only a wasteful $400,000 expense but also a long-term burden on taxpayers. More importantly, it impairs traffic flow on Broadway, Quincy’s only major east-west artery that carries significant traffic.

Misplaced Priorities

Years ago, many Quincy residents complained about excessive traffic signals in Keokuk, Iowa. Now, we are making the same mistakes. Instead of installing unwarranted signals, why not direct funds toward intersections that truly need improvements? Locations like:

• 18th & State
• 36th & Columbus Road
• 48th & State
• 24th & Harrison

These locations actually meet traffic control warrants and would benefit from infrastructure improvements. Reinstalling the 25th & Broadway signal is not only a waste of money but also a potential hazard, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.

Not a Fair Representation by Public Officials

I’ve listened to several politicians explain their decision, claiming they only heard from people in favor of reinstalling the traffic signals. But from what I’ve seen, that’s not the full picture. Everyone I spoke with felt it wasn’t an issue, especially since the signals had already been out of service for three months. Most people assumed, apparently wrongly, that the matter was resolved and the signals would be permanently removed.

The reality is, the efforts behind the scenes to push for the signal’s return weren’t known to those of us who opposed it. There was no transparency. I would venture to say that the vast majority of the traveling public opposed the reinstallation of the traffic signal at 25th & Broadway. I know I certainly did.

Accountability

According to local media, IDOT has left the decision to reinstall the signal to the city. That makes no sense. Traffic warrants for this location are not met. This is a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars, whether from local, state or federal sources. If the city insists on moving forward with this unnecessary project, the businesses that benefit should bear 100 percent of the cost and long-term maintenance — not the taxpayers.

This decision represents poor governance and a failure to prioritize actual transportation needs. We must stop wasting money on unnecessary traffic signals and focus on real traffic improvements.

Patrick Poepping 
Quincy, Illinois