Keokuk, IA – The Keokuk City Council has voted to eliminate some downtown traffic signals. The final total, though, is much less than anticipated.
The panel voted to remove just two signals: 11th & Main and 12th & Main. Four other Main Street Traffic Signals (5th, 6th, 8th, and 9th) will stay where they are.
4th Ward Alderman Roger Bryant does not see a problem with eliminating the 11th and 12th street signals. "I don't believe there is a safety issue with children crossing Main Street and in observing 11th and 12th, I don't see much cross traffic."
Several council members cited concerns about children, seniors, and shoppers crossing Main Street to justify keeping the other four traffic signals on.
Public Works Director Gerald Moughler says it will be at least six weeks before the traffic signals can be taken down.
Signal Removal
Moughler says the first step is to file the proper paperwork with the state and put up signs about the change. He says the lights must then be set to blink for two weeks and then covered up for two weeks. Ordinances adding stop signs to the two intersections must also be approved.
Votes (5 needed)
5th & Main -- Defeated 3-4
6th & Main -- Defeated 2-5
8th & Main -- Defeated 4-3
9th & Main -- Defeated 3-4
11th & Main -- Approved 6-1
12th & Main -- Approved 7-0.
Lack of Public
No one spoke out about the proposed traffic signals removals during the city council meeting. In recent years, an audience grew if the meeting would involve the 13 downtown traffic signals.
Other Action
The Keokuk City Council also...
- Approved the first reading of a measure to remove the "No Turn on Red" signs for 2nd Street at its intersection with Main Street.
- Approved the second reading of an ordinance establishing downtown Architectural Design Standards and another establishing a review committee for the standards.
- Voted to remove the traffic signals at the intersection of 7th & Timea Streets and at the intersection of 7th Street & the crosswalk at the old Lincoln School.