Keokuk, IA – Keokuk wants to see the impact of eliminating more than a half dozen traffic signals on Main Street. The city will conduct a 30-day study in which the traffic lights above 8 of the 13 intersections, in downtown Keokuk, will be turned off. The eight intersections are Main and 3rd, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. Public Works Director Bill Richards says the state does not feel that those signals are needed so he says the money coming in for repairs or replacements will be impacted. Stop signs will be set up on the cross streets of the 8 intersections. Richards says the study could get underway as soon as May 1. The city wants to make sure residents receive enough advanced notice about the study.
Additional Information
* One idea discussed by the council was to turn off the 14th street signal, during the study, and leave 10th or 11th street open for crossing.
* Alderman Bill Olmsted says he is concerned that cars will speed more in the downtown.