Boone County approves immediate safety measures at Orth and Caledonia roads

The Boone County Board voted March 19 to install a four-way stop at Orth Road and Caledonia Road with added safety measures, including red flashing lights on the stop signs, rumble strips and advance yellow flashing beacons. The decision followed multiple public comments requesting immediate action and a detailed staff presentation on alternatives.

County engineer Justin Crohn told the board that a roundabout is the long-term recommendation based on crash statistics and safety analysis but estimated it would take two to three years to design and build. Residents said they needed a near-term change to reduce a pattern of angle crashes and close calls; several speakers described frequent near-misses and urged immediate measures. "If we save one life every 20 years, then I think that's going to be worth it," said Bethany Marston, a resident who urged a four-way stop.

Board members debated the tradeoffs: some warned that placing too many stop controls across a rural network can create unintended safety issues, while others emphasized urgency given recent crashes and increased traffic. The board adopted an amendment requiring the warning devices and then approved the four-way stop motion by roll call. The county engineer will implement the interim package and continue planning for an eventual roundabout, including speed studies and engineering placement of warning devices.

The board recorded the vote and directed county highway staff to place the stop signs and associated warning devices promptly. Staff said the temporary measures can be implemented within days; design and construction of a roundabout, if pursued, would be on a multi-year timeline.

The action closes a months-long advocacy effort by neighborhood residents and is intended as an interim safety step while engineering work proceeds.