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Cole County adopts updated Traffic Safety Manual; approves Hem Street speed reduction and new stop sign at Silo Hill Lane
Summary
The commission adopted an updated traffic safety manual (to align with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices), approved a reduction of the posted speed on Hem Street Road to 35 mph, and approved installing a stop sign at Silo Hill Lane and Bald Hill Road.
Cole County commissioners approved an updated Traffic Safety Manual and two localized traffic controls — a reduced speed limit on Hem Street Road and a new stop sign at Silo Hill Lane and Bald Hill Road — at their Jan. 28 meeting.
Public Works staff said the county’s traffic safety manual dated from about 2001 and was updated by Bartlett & West to align with current MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) standards and to reflect current signing and striping practices. The Traffic and Safety Advisory Board reviewed the draft and recommended county adoption. Commissioners voted to approve and adopt the updated manual.
Two public-hearing items followed. On Hem Street Road, staff presented traffic-speed studies for the two disconnected segments after a bridge closure that split the road. On the east segment the mean/average speed was reported as about 26 mph with an 85th percentile of 37 mph; on the west segment the average was about 30 mph with an 85th percentile of 38 mph. The current posted speed was 45 mph; the Traffic and Safety Advisory Board recommended lowering the posted speed to 35 mph due to decreased traffic and observed speeds. Commissioners approved a motion to reduce the posted speed to 35 mph and directed that a court order be prepared for signature.
At Silo Hill Lane and Bald Hill Road (the entrance to Wilbur’s Farm subdivision), staff and the advisory board recommended installing a stop sign at the subdivision entrance because development increased turning movements and the normal right-of-way rules no longer provided an adequate control. Sight distance was described as good at the location. Commissioners accepted the advisory board’s recommendation and approved installing the stop sign.
Votes at a glance: motion to adopt updated Traffic Safety Manual — approved; motion to reduce Hem Street Road speed limit to 35 mph — approved; motion to install stop sign at Silo Hill Lane/Bald Hill Road — approved.
Ending: Staff will prepare court orders and signatory documents for the speed change and will arrange installation of signage per the adopted manual and advisory-board recommendations.
