Drivers on Emerson Street now face a 25 mph speed limit, down from 30, after the City of Evanston installed permanent signage and launched an education period along the corridor between McCormick Boulevard and Green Bay Road.
The Evanston Police Department is focusing on informing drivers and encouraging compliance before transitioning to standard enforcement, according to a city news release. No timeline has been set.
The City Council adopted Ordinance 50-O-26 on July 13 by a 6-0-3 vote. Councilmember Bobby Burns moved to suspend the rules so the ordinance could be introduced and acted on at a single meeting, seconded by Councilmember Matt Rodgers. Councilmember Clare Kelly moved adoption, seconded by Councilmember Juan Geracaris. Three members were absent: Krissie Harris, Jonathan Nieuwsma and Thomas Suffredin. Mayor Daniel Biss presided.
The city said the reduction is meant to improve roadway safety for all users, though no crash data or specific safety rationale for the Emerson corridor has been made public.
What drivers will see
New permanent signs along Emerson Street display "Speed Limit 25 mph" plaques with "New Regulation" indicators. Red flags will be added to the signs to draw immediate attention to the change.
The city began alerting drivers on July 24 with changeable message signs at two locations: the eastbound approach just east of McCormick Boulevard and the westbound approach just west of the Asbury Avenue and Emerson Street intersection.
Broader context
The speed limit change follows a citywide traffic safety enforcement campaign the Evanston Police Department launched in December 2025 in response to resident complaints about speeding, failure to stop at stop signs and distracted driving. City Manager Luke Stowe said at the time that the effort was about "safety over citations."
The ordinance technically covers Emerson Street from the city limits to Green Bay Road, according to council records. McCormick Boulevard sits near the western city boundary, making the two descriptions consistent.
Residents with questions can call or text 847-448-4311 or dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.
