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Neighborhood speakers urge speed reduction and crossings after fatal Lincoln Way crash
Summary
Neighbors described the recent fatal crash on Lincoln Way, submitted a petition and asked the council for engineering changes and reduced speeds; council asked staff for a follow-up memo on safety options and data.
Several residents told the Ames City Council on Feb. 24 that safety changes are needed at the Lincoln Way and South Russell intersection after an 80-year-old woman was killed in a recent crash.
"My name is Brooke Eliston. I was in communication with a majority of you last week," Brooke Eliston told the council during public forum, citing the city's AADT figures and safety data and asking for speed reduction and visibility measures. Eliston said Lincoln Way carries "8,000 to 5,000 vehicles per day" in a portion of the corridor and that the crossing is classified as level 4 traffic stress for pedestrians.
James Chittister, who said he made the 911 call and was first on scene, described finding the victim nonresponsive and urged specific fixes: improved illumination, higher-curb sidewalks, reduced speed limits and marked crosswalks. "Walking, biking, busing, and being outside at home shouldn't carry such a high risk," he said.
Council members thanked the speakers and asked staff to assemble the available crash data, the police accident report and corridor studies. Council voted to request a staff memo compiling the city's safety data and potential engineering or regulatory steps; staff estimated a memo could be ready in a few weeks for council consideration. The council also directed staff to accept the petition and supporting data the neighbors offered.
Next steps: staff will prepare a memo that summarizes the accident report, prior corridor studies and possible short- and medium-term countermeasures for council review.
