State will change signage, city to paint pavement markings at five-way Park Avenue–East Second intersection

City traffic staff told the Muscatine City Council on June 19 that a traffic engineering assistance study conducted through the state recommended new signs and pavement arrows — not a roundabout or signals — to address driver confusion at the five-way intersection of Park Avenue and East Second Street.

The study examined several alternatives, including additional signage, pavement markings with lane arrows, closing a leg of the intersection and options for a roundabout or signalization. The consultant and state officials concluded that a roundabout or signalization was not warranted; the recommended course is new arrows and advanced warning signage clarifying which lanes are for left turns, through movement and the 45-degree right movement that continues the state route.

City staff said the state will install updated signs and the city will assist with pavement markings. “The signage and the arrows are meant to clarify any confusion that might occur with how it’s supposed to function,” a city staff member said. The city described the expected cost as minimal and said pavement painting will be handled by city crews this summer.

Why this matters: The intersection has generated repeated citizen complaints since lane and curb changes were made; many drivers report uncertainty about which lane continues the state route. Council members said better signage and markings are the low-cost option that residents have requested and that closing Park Avenue south was not considered feasible by residents and council members.

What’s next: The state will move forward with sign installation on its schedule; the city will add pavement arrows and stop-bar painting as part of routine pavement-marking work. Council members thanked District 5 state staff for their assistance and asked staff to follow up if the changes do not reduce confusion.