Five Proposed Changes to Fifth Street

Last week, St. Charles City planners held a public meeting to display the proposed $8.5 million redesign of Fifth Street. 

Here are five things that will change when the road is redone. 

1. It will be easier to get around on foot. The road will get wider sidewalks (7 to 8 feet) and improved cross walks. Curbs will follow the American Disability Association guidelines. Pedestrian lighting and benches will be put in.
2. The city will have an "entrance gateway." Three different options, including two that are historic, are being considered to welcome visitors to town.
3. Landscaped medians in the center of the road will mean cars can't make a left turn from the east side of the road. This change is being made to improve traffic flow and reduce accidents, said city planners. 
4. The city's bike path will take bikers down Sixth Street instead of Fifth Street. Signage will be put in place and the road marked. 
5. The road will go from three lanes to four lanes between McDonough and First Capitol, with a center turn lane, one lane heading southbound toward Boone's Lick and two lanes heading northbound toward First Capitol.