Commission adds four-way stop and ground-in rumble strips at 20th St. and 160th; vote 4–1
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Summary
After months of debate, the commission approved a resolution converting a two-way stop to a four-way stop at 20 First Street and 160 Seventh Street and directed installation of ground-in rumble strips on 20 First Street; the measure passed 4–1 amid disagreement over whether a four-way stop or rumble strips are the safer remedy.
The Sedgwick County Commission voted 4–1 on Wednesday to require a four-way stop at the intersection of 20 First Street North and 160 Seventh Street West and to install ground-in rumble strips on 20 First Street as part of a package of safety measures.
Commissioner Brent Wise moved the resolution with an added direction to install rumble strips; the motion was seconded and passed with Commissioners Bluebaugh, Wise, Meitzner and Chairman Beatty voting in favor and Commissioner Brent Howe dissenting.
The intersection has been the subject of ongoing concern after multiple collisions and a prior pilot that used an intersection collision-warning system (ICWS). County engineer Lynn Packer said the ICWS reduced crash severity but did not stop collisions and that jurisdictions have re-evaluated the site. Packer told commissioners the rumble strips could “be put in as soon as next week” and described a package of stepped measures: larger stop signs, advanced warning signs, refreshed stop bars, overhead flashing beacons and the ground-in rumble strips on 20 First Street.
Commissioner Howe opposed the action, arguing that ground-in rumble strips and improved warnings should be installed at the existing two-way configuration and warning that converting to a four-way stop can increase rear-end collisions. Others said the four-way stop plus rumble strips will improve driver awareness immediately while the county studies longer-term capital improvements (signalization or a roundabout) that could cost roughly $900,000 to $1 million and require right-of-way adjustments.
The board authorized the engineering work and directed staff to coordinate communications and installation. Public-works staff said longer-term funding and design for a capital project at the intersection will remain in the county’s capital-improvement planning.
