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1. How does an all-way stop sign get placed at an intersection?

The placement of stop signs at intersections must be justified by an engineering study. There are three items that are reviewed in the study: the number of vehicles (traffic volume) traveling through the intersection, the number of reported traffic accidents at the intersection for the previous 12-month period, and sight distance measurements for approaching vehicles. These “warrants” are based on state law and transportation officials’ guidelines. A stop sign is only placed to assist a motorist in determining which vehicle has the right of way to travel through an intersection to avoid an accident with another vehicle. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

2. Can a stop sign be placed to slow speeding traffic?

No, stop signs are not intended to be used to deter speeding vehicles. Engineering studies have shown that stop signs have no effect on reducing speeds, and in fact, stop signs often increase speeds due to the notion of making up for lost time. Unwarranted stop sign placement is often deliberately ignored and motorists perform “rolling” stops. This increases the hazard to pedestrians who rely on traffic stopping at stop signs to safely cross the street. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

3. How does the City deal with speeding on residential streets?

The Wheaton Police Department takes the most active role in deterring speeding on our residential streets. The use of radar enforcement and education aids such as live speed signs are examples of these efforts. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

4. Can the City do something about the number of cars going down my street?

Many streets in Wheaton carry different volumes of traffic due to how they fit into our transportation network. Some residential streets are classified as collectors, which connect local streets with arterial highways. There are also streets that seem to motorists to be more convenient to travel instead of busier streets. These are commonly referred to as “cut-through” streets. Although the City has looked into physical barriers and “speed bumps,” we have not implemented any of these measures due primarily to limiting emergency service response time. In many cases, the cut-through traffic will just move to a neighboring street and the problem will still exist. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

5. Why does the red light for Front Street and Main Street stay on so long when no traffic is crossing the railroad tracks?

The traffic signals for Main Street and West Street as they intersect the railroad tracks were modified several years ago due to a re-evaluation of all traffic signals state-wide that interconnect with railroad crossing gate signals resulting from the school bus / train accident in Fox River Grove. The traffic signals in downtown Wheaton now have an additional phase to prevent traffic from stopping on the tracks and being trapped by the railroad gates. This additional phase stops Front Street and Main Street (Front Street and West Street) and allows Liberty Drive traffic to go over the tracks without any other traffic interference. This is a safety feature imposed by the state and can not be altered by the City. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

6. Does the City have a plan for which streets get repaved?

Yes, we do. The Engineering Department drafts every three years a new Five-Year Road Improvement Program. This report list the streets we recommend for resurfacing, rehabilitation, or complete reconstruction for each of the following five City fiscal years. The street listing is based upon a rating system that uses inspection data collected by the Street Division entered into a computer software program called PAVER. PAVER provides a rating for each street section on a scale of 0 to 100 and we use that information to create the Road Program. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

7. My street does not have curbs, storm sewers, or street lighting. Will the City install those improvements?

Many areas of the community lack some of the public improvements that newer areas have. This is due primarily to the age of development and the development policies that were in effect at that time. The City does not have the funds that are necessary to construct all streets with curbing, storm sewers and street lighting. The City’s policy is to maintain the existing infrastructure with the taxes that are available. If there are enough property owners on a street who desire these improvements, the City can create a special taxing district to collect the funds to construct the added infrastructure improvements. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

8. Sometimes my basement floor drain backs up during a rain storm. Is this normal?

Although it is very common, it is not what is supposed to happen during rain storms. The floor drain in your basement floor is connected to the sanitary sewer system. Unlike the City of Chicago, which has a combined sanitary and storm sewer system, Wheaton has separate systems. However, due to deterioration of the storm and sanitary sewer pipes and intentional and unintentional connections, storm water does infiltrate the sanitary sewer system. This infiltration can cause the sanitary sewer system to overflow to the lowest points in the system - basements. The City is addressing this problem by conducting home inspections to find illegal connects to the sanitary sewer system. We also have a program to assist homeowners with the cost of installing an overhead plumbing system to stop sewer backups in basements. Contact us at 630-260-2065 for more information.

9. What can I do to prevent flooding in my home?

Residents who have issues with flooding in their homes can schedule a free drainage review with a City Engineer by calling 630-260-2870. This comprehensive evaluation examines everything having to do with drainage and your property. The engineer will discuss where the water comes from, how it gets there, and, most importantly, what can be done to alleviate your property’s problems. In addition, see the City's flooding prevention tips.