4 days ago
‘Just leave it four lanes': Concern sets in as proposed narrowing of Auburn Street gets pushed to next year
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Many Rockford residents have voiced negative opinions about Auburn Street narrowing to three lanes in Spring 2026.
One of them is Kevin Hilby, a long-time Rockfordian.
'It's going to be really hard if you're in a side street trying to turn left or right onto Auburn,' Hilby said. 'Once you have two lanes, it's just going to be bad. It's just a bad idea.'
The long-time local thinks the project will cause delays and traffic congestion on Auburn.
'There are so many side streets, driveways, businesses, parking lots, alleys, and we're all going to be in one lane,' said Hilby.
The city wants to narrow the lanes to prevent speeding and create a bike path along with a sidewalk for pedestrians.
Second Ward Alderman and Auburn High School Teacher Jonathan Logemann hopes the project provides improved safety for students.
'Sometimes I see students walking in the street because some of the sidewalks were in such disrepair, or the sidewalks weren't cleared off,' Logemann explained.
The director of public works said the main focus this year is installing a new water main before narrowing the street next spring.
'I would say that no project is universally supported by all, but this was borne out of a pretty extensive public process,' said Public Works Director Scott Sanders. 'We are responding to requests. We heard from the public and the stakeholders.'
Hilby hopes the city will change its mind about the project.
'I agree… take the pavement out, put new lines, put new sewer lines, put new everything,' Hilby explained. 'Just leave it four lanes and put the pavement back down the way it was.'
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