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Decorah council votes 5–2 to restore full traffic lights downtown after safety debate
Summary
Following weeks of a trial using flashing signals and stop signs, the council voted 5–2 to restore red/yellow/green signals downtown, citing pedestrian safety, sight‑line problems, and parking access; staff will monitor queuing and perform incremental changes as needed.
After extended public and council debate, the Decorah City Council voted 5–2 to restore full red/yellow/green traffic signals on Water Street, reversing a recent trial that switched several downtown intersections to flashing signals and stop controls.
Supporters of restoring signals, including the motion maker, said the change will improve pedestrian safety and reduce confusion. "I really think we should go back to traffic signals," a councilmember said, citing instances where drivers and pedestrians were uncertain how to proceed. Several downtown business owners and councilmembers warned that the flashing devices created visual clutter and made parallel parking and pedestrian crossings unpredictable.
Opponents asked for more data and recommended low‑cost interim improvements before a permanent infrastructure change — suggestions included painted crosswalks, temporary mid‑intersection stop signage, and adjustments to sign clutter. Staff also raised cost and maintenance considerations: recent traffic signal maintenance and replacement work has exceeded $60,000 in recent years, and controller replacement costs were discussed as a potential $20,000 item.
The motion to restore standard signals passed on roll call (yes: Neil, Parker, Miss Lynch, Chisel, Whittle; no: Bergen, Zitigrin). Council directed staff to turn the signals back on quickly, watch for excessive queuing, and return with data if changes are needed. Members also asked staff to audit downtown signage for unnecessary or confusing signs.
What's next: Staff will re‑activate the full signals, monitor downtown queuing and safety, and follow up with council if adjustments are required. The council also encouraged low‑cost pilot interventions (painted crossings, stop signage) to improve walkability.
