Hinsdale Traffic Deemed Well-Functioning by Engineering Firm

But engineer suggests improvements like increased parking enforcement and crosswalk visibility

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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According to a traffic engineering report, downtown Hinsdale's traffic operates well, with low volumes and good levels of service at intersections. However, the engineering firm KLOA did propose some recommendations, such as increasing enforcement of parking rules, improving visibility of stop and speed limit signs, and replacing certain crosswalks with a more visible 'piano-key' style.

Why it matters

As a suburban community, maintaining smooth traffic flow and pedestrian safety in Hinsdale's downtown is crucial for supporting local businesses and quality of life. The traffic engineer's assessment and suggestions provide data-driven insights to help the village optimize its transportation infrastructure.

The details

The KLOA engineering firm found that Hinsdale's downtown has a 20 mph speed limit, extensive pedestrian and school warning signage, and crosswalks at nearly all intersections. They noted the traffic volumes are generally low and operating well below capacity. However, the firm did recommend increasing enforcement of parking time limits and e-bike violations, as well as enhancing the visibility of stop and speed limit signs. They also suggested replacing some standard crosswalks with a more eye-catching 'piano-key' style, though one trustee expressed resistance to removing a midblock crosswalk in front of the post office.

  • The traffic engineering report was presented to the Hinsdale Village Board on Tuesday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Michael Werthmann

A traffic engineer with the Rosemont-based firm KLOA who presented the assessment of Hinsdale's downtown traffic.

Alexis Braden

A Hinsdale Village Board trustee who expressed resistance to removing a midblock crosswalk in front of the post office, calling it a heavily used crossing.

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What they’re saying

“You have a posted speed limit of 20 mph in the downtown, which is excellent. You don't see that a lot.”

— Michael Werthmann, Traffic Engineer, KLOA (Patch.com)

“We use that [midblock crosswalk] constantly. It's a scary intersection.”

— Alexis Braden, Hinsdale Village Board Trustee (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Hinsdale Village Board will consider the traffic engineer's recommendations, including whether to remove or modify the midblock crosswalk in front of the post office, at a future meeting.

The takeaway

Hinsdale's downtown traffic appears to be functioning well overall, but the village is exploring targeted improvements like enhanced crosswalk visibility and parking enforcement to further optimize safety and efficiency for drivers, pedestrians, and local businesses.