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Commission recommends signage and enhanced crosswalk markings near Decorah intersection after county safety designation
Summary
To address a county designation of a ‘significantly unsafe intersection,’ the commission recommended permanent pedestrian-yield signage and improved crosswalk markings; staff will coordinate final wording and placement with police and DOT guidance.
Following a Washington County designation of a significantly unsafe intersection in the Decorah area, the Traffic Safety Commission on April 28 recommended installing permanent yield-to-pedestrian signage and enhanced crosswalk markings at the affected crossing.
Staff asked KL Engineering to test how removing right‑turn‑on‑red ability would affect operations; the firm reported negligible traffic‑operation impacts even if right turns on red were restricted during peak school periods. City staff and the police captain noted concerns about creating long vehicle queues during peak school drop‑off and pick‑up times. The commission discussed options including full-time no‑turn‑on‑red, time‑limited restrictions (school hours only) and an alternative permanent metal sign that reads similar to “Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians.”
Commissioners settled on recommending permanently posted yield‑to‑pedestrian signage and refreshed, highly visible crosswalk markings (a ladder-style pattern), modelled on existing treatments elsewhere in the city, and directed staff to coordinate placement and timing language. The motion passed and will be forwarded to city council. Director Newman and police indicated the signage will mirror treatments used at Main and Decorah and staff would revisit the decision if operational problems arise after implementation.
