Shawnee staff propose flashing warnings and reflective backplates at K‑7 and 40th/7th Street intersection

City staff told the Shawnee City Council committee in May they plan to add interactive flashing advance-warning signs and reflective backplates at the signalized intersection on K‑7 at 40th/7th Street after a March collision that prompted renewed concern from residents.

City Manager Paul Kramer introduced the agenda item and said staff reviewed the intersection; Kevin Manning, a city staff member, outlined the two main measures proposed: advance flashing warning signs that will be coordinated with the signal and reflective tape around the signal backplates. "They're going to be actually, kind of coordinated with the signal itself," Manning said, describing signs that will begin flashing when a vehicle is a set number of seconds from the intersection to "give some additional visibility" about an upcoming red light.

Manning said the city has most equipment ordered and is awaiting a permit from the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT). He described the second measure as applying bright yellow reflective tape to the signal backplates on all approaches so the signal indications "pop" at night or in poor weather.

The staff presentation also noted a review of signal timing after the March crash. Manning said, "signal timing was not an issued or a factor to that crash," and that signal clearance intervals (yellow and red times) are set based on approach speed and intersection width. He described the K‑7 location as the first signalized intersection northbound for about 10 miles, saying that drivers unfamiliar with the corridor may assume a continuous highway and not anticipate a stop.

Council members asked follow-up questions about timing, guardrail options and whether lowering posted speed limits was possible. Councilmember Angela Steens, who represents the ward that includes the intersection, said constituents worried about drivers "pulling out" as the light changes and added, "I love the flashing signal. I think that would be very helpful because there is that long stretch there." Manning said the city has discussed speed‑limit changes and guardrail options with KDOT but that KDOT controls speed limits and guardrail installation; he said KDOT evaluates clear‑zone distances and may require guardrail when run‑out distances are short.

Council members asked for additional follow‑up. Manning estimated the improvements could be made "either late May or early June" if the KDOT permit is granted. No formal action or ordinance was taken; the item was presented for information and council discussion.

Why it matters: the intersection is a high‑speed approach on a commercial corridor and, according to staff, is the first traffic signal encountered for drivers traveling northbound on that stretch of K‑7. Residents and some council members cited recent serious collisions in the corridor; staff described the measures as layered visibility improvements rather than changes to roadway geometry.

The council did not vote on the improvements at the meeting. Staff reported equipment on order and said the next steps are to obtain the KDOT permit and coordinate installation. The city will continue to consult with KDOT about corridor‑level measures such as guardrails and speed limits.