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Preliminary Old U.S. 81 traffic study recommends 4‑way stops, monitoring and temporary safety measures
Summary
Engineers reported preliminary findings that 85th‑percentile speeds along Old U.S. 81 near Arrowhead and 22nd Avenue reach about 59 mph in a 45 mph zone and recommended converting two intersections to 4‑way stops, adding rumble strips and temporary markings, and monitoring crash data before considering a roundabout.
Elizabeth, a county presenter, summarized a preliminary engineering study for the Old U.S. 81 / Arrowhead / 22nd Avenue corridor near Mound Ridge and said the full report runs 98 pages; the board received a brief summary at the April 13 meeting.
"The 85th percentile of speed in that area is 59, and the speed limit there is 45," Elizabeth said, adding that engineers observed the corridor is wide and behaves like a highway. The study recommended installing 4‑way stops at both intersections, considering temporary or permanent rumble strips, and continuing data monitoring. If safety metrics (critical crash rates) do not improve, a roundabout could be considered as a later option.
Board members discussed lower-cost interim measures such as a flashing solar-powered light ($2,000 per unit) and temporary signage to help drivers adjust to new stop controls. Staff noted the study included all comment cards from local residents and recommended further review in a work session with Mound Ridge officials before formal submittal to KDOT for review.
