Safety Measures Discussed for Dangerous County Intersection

Possible solutions for a dangerous intersection were discussed during the Franklin County Supervisor's March 17 meeting.

During the meeting, the County Supervisors, Secondary Roads Engineer Jay Waddingham and others discussed safety measures that could be taken at the intersection of County Road 25 and Highway 65, where a number of accidents (some fatal) have taken place in recent years.

County Supervisor Chris Vanness mentioned numerous occasions where he had seen or heard of people driving right through nearby intersections without stopping.

"I don't know what we can do, if anything, but I know there are [rumble] strips and a flashing light on this one out on 65," he said. "The sheriff's office could patrol it more often, but still, how much are you going to see change? I think part of the problem is that at one time there were four state troopers that lived in this community and now we have none."

Waddingham said they already have rumble strips at the intersection of County Road 25 and Highway 65 and a flashing light on top of the stop sign itself.

Franklin County Auditor Katy Flint asked if they had a sign with flashing lights that read "Stop Sign Ahead" leading up to the intersection, and he said no.

State permission would be needed to turn the intersection into a four-way stop, but everyone agreed that wasn’t a good idea.

Supervisor Dick Lukensmeyer also asked about the possibility of adding a fourth rumble strip to the intersection. Auditor Flint questioned the effectiveness of adding a fourth strip, as the first three don't seem to help.

"No matter what we do, we cannot 100 percent eliminate the problem, but I think we have some ideas to try and we appreciate you all coming in," said Vanness.

A concerned constituent, who was in attendance at the meeting, thanked the supervisors for handling the situation so quickly.

"Thanks for your attention to this matter and acting on it in a very rapid fashion," he said. "I really appreciate that."

It was decided by the end of the discussion that they would add a sign with flashing lights ahead of the intersection for starters, while continuing to look at other options.

Earlier in the meeting, the supervisors approved a proclamation naming April "Sexual Assault Awareness Month." The courthouse's clock tower will be lit up with teal lights from April 1 to April 14 in honor of this.

Their next regular meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, March 24, at 8:30 a.m. in the basement of the Franklin County Courthouse.