Traffic alert: Davenport runs trial change to East Davenport intersection

A major change to a traffic pattern at the intersection of River Street and River Drive in east Davenport is under a trial run. A concrete barrier has been placed to bar drivers from driving onto River Street directly from River Drive.

Drivers on River Drive now will have to make a 90-degree right turn onto McClellan Boulevard, then turn left onto River Street. Drivers exiting River Street must turn right onto McClellan Boulevard before turning onto River Drive.

The change comes after the city completed a traffic report with concerning results: 42% of drivers entering River Street from River Drive were speeding by 10 miles per hour or faster over the limit. Cars are supposed to slow down from 45 mph on River Drive to 25 mph on River Street.

The city hopes the change will make the intersection safer and slow cars entering the neighborhood.

Residents in that neighborhood and business owners in the Village of East Davenport say they don’t think it will affect traffic flow in any way. They also said the turn could be a bit confusing. The trial will last for three months, which could allow drivers to become used to the change.

If the city sees the results it wants after the 90-day trial, the change will become permanent sometime in late fall or early winter.

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