Council pauses final decision on 6th Avenue/6th Street signal configuration, asks for more public input

Le Mars City Council members on an unspecified date debated whether to keep the additional 6th Street leg open as part of a full traffic-signal replacement, then agreed to delay a final decision to gather more public input.

Council discussion focused on safety and pedestrian access after staff described plans for a standardized, modern signal with new mast arms and an extra signal pole if the 6th Street leg remains open. Staff estimated the additional pole and arms would add roughly $50,000 to the project and create an extra signal phase, which could affect pedestrian crossing timing.

Commissioner Carey and other members pressed staff about including sidewalks in the four-lane design. Staff said they will evaluate options, pursue additional right-of-way or easements where possible, and fill gaps where an 8–10 foot sidewalk may not fit. Councilors also noted that adding the extra street leg could require pedestrians to press separate call buttons to cross each leg unless the intersection is re-phased for an all-red pedestrian scramble, a configuration used only in very high-volume pedestrian areas.

Following the exchange, a council member asked to table the 6th Avenue/6th Street configuration to the next meeting to allow more outreach; staff and councilors agreed. Separately, staff reported a temporary signal to replace the stop sign is expected in about two weeks while the permanent design is refined.

Next steps: The council will collect additional public feedback and return with refined design options and cost estimates; staff expects a short-term temporary signal installation within weeks.