UPDATE: A new stop sign has been installed at the perilous intersection of Belmont and Karlov avenues as of last Thursday, following years of complaints from local residents and businesses. The intersection has been the scene of numerous accidents, prompting immediate action from city officials.
Arlene Luna, owner of Moonwalker Cafe, expressed relief over the installation, stating, “We have been asking for this for years.” She highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that just last March, both a pedestrian and a cyclist were struck by vehicles in incidents just four days apart.
The intersection, located at 4101 W. Belmont Ave., has been a dangerous spot for drivers and pedestrians alike. Luna’s partner, Jack Blue, reported that patrons already feel a greater sense of safety since the stop sign went up. “If it’s safer, even if it’s gonna cost people a half a second more, I think it’s worth it,” he said.
This intersection serves as a critical juncture for the Avondale, Irving Park, and Belmont Gardens neighborhoods, straddling the 30th Ward, represented by Ald. Ruth Cruz, and the 31st Ward, represented by Ald. Felix Cardona. Cardona previously acknowledged the issue, stating that many cars cut through the residential area on Karlov to avoid heavy traffic on Pulaski Road.
Despite previous traffic studies conducted by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), which concluded that an additional stop sign wouldn’t be effective due to varying traffic volumes, community pressure has led to this decisive action. Earlier studies indicated that traffic on Karlov is significantly lower than on Belmont, leading officials to initially dismiss the stop sign request.
In June, a speed camera was installed near the intersection, but Blue reported that “traffic remained terrible.” With the stop sign now in place, he and Luna believe it will significantly improve safety.
Luna recalled a terrifying incident in April when a car jumped the curb and crashed into a neighboring storefront, fortunately without injuries. “It could have easily turned tragic,” she warned, emphasizing the need for immediate improvements.
As local residents celebrate this long-awaited change, many are left wondering what other measures might be needed to ensure ongoing safety in the area. The community remains vigilant, hoping that this critical step can prevent further accidents and save lives.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as officials monitor the situation and assess the impact of the new stop sign on traffic safety.
