The Common Council of the city of Darlington approved an ordinance amending chapter 7 of the Municipal Code of the city of Darlington in order to allow ATVs and UTVs access to a highway bridge at their meeting on Tuesday, May 20.

    This will mean that ATV and UTV operators will be able to cross the Highway 23 and 81 bridge over the Pecatonica River that connects Main Street and Galena Street in Darlington.
    The ordinance also details that any ATVs or UTVs being operated on the bridge must comply with the following mandates:
    -Operators must cross the bridge in the most direct manner practicable and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.
    -Operators must stay as far to the right of the roadway or shoulder as practicable.
    -Operators must stop the vehicle prior to the crossing.
    -Operators must yield the right-of-way to other vehicles, pedestrians and electric personal assistive mobility devices using the roadway or shoulder.
    -Operators must exit the highway as quickly and safely as practicable after crossing the bridge. 
    The ordinance was approved unanimously by the city council.