Moline residents protest traffic speeds in 12th Street residential area

A group of citizens who live in Moline appeared before the Dorr Township Board night to protest widespread speeding of cars and trucks on 12^th Street coming off Division Avenue.

The scene of the traffic crimes is just after trucks and cars use the 12^th Street stretch just before Division (old 131) curves to the east and Moline is straight ahead in a heavily residential section.

Some of the citizens said there are many business trucks that barrel through the residential area, putting pedestrians children and bicyclers at risk.

A petition was filed on the issue and the Township Board had a second flashing speed limit sign installed as a result. Residents in the area noted that what makes it even more dangerous is the lack of wide shoulders and no sidewalk.

“The volume of traffic has gotten much larger,” one woman said. “We have a lot of big trucks using that road. They really fly through there.”

Some speculated that the trucks are using 12^th Street as a short cut to 142^nd Avenue and easier and faster access to the U.S.-131 expressway.

Capt. Scott Matice of the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department volunteered to set up computer study of traffic speeds on 12^th Street.

However, Clerk Brian Boot cautioned that sometimes when a study shows higher customary speeds of traffic, the result could be posting of a higher speed limit.

The 12^th Street stretch is supposed to have a 25 mph limit.

One resident, who said, “It’s gotten worse than ever in the last five to ten years,” suggested making 12^th Street in Moline a cul de sac or a T-street. Another possible solution could be establishing the 12^th Street stretch as a “no trucks” route.

At any rate, more investigation will be done and deputies Ryan Rewa andh Chad Sikkema, who cover Dorr and Leighton townships, will keep an eye on the situation as well as possible.