Council approves highway safety project despite Lowes' opposition to suicide lanes

The Carbondale City Council convened on May 27, 2025, to discuss several key agenda items, including a contentious highway safety improvement project. The meeting began with a roll call, confirming the presence of all council members.

The primary focus of the meeting was item 3.6, which proposed converting a four-lane street into a three-lane configuration, including a center turn lane. Council member Lowes expressed strong opposition to the project, labeling the center turn lane as a "suicide lane" and arguing that it would increase danger for drivers. He stated, "We shouldn't even have those things," emphasizing his belief that the project would worsen current conditions.

Despite Lowes' objections, a motion was made to approve the project. Council member Stanfield requested clarification from city staff regarding the proposal's benefits. Staff explained that the project aims to reduce conflict points for left turns, thereby enhancing safety. They noted that the project is funded 90% by federal sources and would also provide wider bike lanes, addressing both safety and speed concerns in the area.

Council member Pelosi countered the staff's claims about speed reduction, suggesting that narrowing lanes could lead to increased speeds instead. After a thorough discussion, the council proceeded to a roll call vote. The motion to approve the project passed, with Lowes being the only dissenting vote.

Following the vote, the council moved on to general business, indicating a productive session despite the division over the highway project. The meeting concluded with a clear direction for future developments in the city.