Ravenswood Manor traffic diverters anger residents

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ravenswood Manor residents are angry after traffic diverters were installed earlier this week on busy streets in their neighborhood.

The diverters altered the traffic flow on Manor at Wilson Avenue, changing two-way streets into one-way streets.

Residents said the diverters are a safety concern.

"The big issue is what about the people who live here. I have to go blocks out of my way to get to my own house," said neighbor Don Valentine.

The new traffic pattern is part of a CDOT traffic study on Manor at Wilson. The barricades were put up to reduce non-local vehicle traffic along the road.

"It's a traffic issue but it's also a safety issue with increased bike traffic," said Ald. Deb Mell (33rd Ward).

"For my point of view, I am a bike rider and I love to be able to get through here without all the traffic," said neighbor Ann Sylvan.

On Thursday afternoon, Ald. Deb Mell caught one driver going around a diverter.

Neighbors said it's a frequent occurrence.

"I just went up to him and gave him a friendly reminder that we are trying out this experiment and that we would appreciate if you obey the laws," said Ald. Mell.

"I have seen people go through the alleys and I have seen people go around the diverters," said neighbor Bette Rosenstein.

CDOT and Ald. Mell will monitor the new traffic pattern over the next two months before deciding if the barriers will stay or go.

"There is no perfect solution. There are consequences that the most expert people can't foresee. I am very interested to see what comes after the eight weeks," said neighbor Nathan Gumley.

A meeting about the project was held on Thursday night at Horner Park.