Neighbors urge immediate safety fixes at Lincoln Way after fatal pedestrian crash; council approves speed‑feedback sign and priority review

Residents of the Oak-to‑Riverside neighborhood told the Ames City Council on June 23 they fear crossing Lincoln Way, and they urged immediate measures to prevent further deaths after a pedestrian was struck and killed on Feb. 20.

During an item moved forward on the agenda because a large number of neighbors attended, transportation staff summarized a follow‑up to an April 28 report about the fatal collision and presented four response pathways: continuing the walk‑bike‑roll plan sequencing; evaluating stronger lighting standards on arterial crossings; accelerating a crossing upgrade at Lincoln Way and South Russell (including options such as refuge islands or full signalization); and reassessing bus stop spacing to reduce unsignalized crossings.

Neighbors described the human effects. "We are simply asking that this corridor receive the same level of priority it was previously given when it was studied for redesign," Brooke Ellison said, describing children and frequent transit riders who use the corridor. Dave Ellen, who lives adjacent to the crossing, urged both immediate low‑cost interventions and longer‑term redesign: "What we're asking for is increased police diligence here, potentially painting the crosswalk and a radar feedback sign to help curb some of that speeding," he said.

Councilors responded by approving near‑term measures: a motion to purchase and install a permanent dynamic speed‑feedback sign at the crossing (initially using a police speed trailer while procurement occurs) and a motion to request increased police enforcement of speed limits in the corridor. Council also voted to add the Lincoln Way/South Russell crossing to the city’s walk‑bike‑roll priority list so it can be considered for accelerated capital funding and directed staff to assess whether higher lighting standards for arterial crossings would improve visibility at dawn and dusk.

Staff cautioned that some treatments cited by residents—like rectangular rapid‑flashing beacons—are not recommended for multi‑lane arterials without a pedestrian refuge, and that full corridor redesigns require right‑of‑way and capital planning. Justin (planning/transportation staff) said the city’s previous Lincoln Way corridor work could inform a longer corridor study but noted funding constraints: the city’s walk‑bike‑roll plan currently funds about 15–20% of identified priorities and shortlists projects by tiers.

The votes produced immediate actions: staff will place the permanent dynamic sign on the procurement list (using a deployable trailer for interim enforcement), coordinate stepped enforcement with Ames Police Department, and prepare a follow‑up memo on lighting standards and potential corridor design steps for council consideration.

What’s next: the council asked transportation staff to return with design options and cost estimates for the crossing, and residents were told that short‑term enforcement and the speed‑feedback sign installation will be pursued as interim safety steps.