4-way stop signs OK'd (10/23/07)

The intersection of county roads 650 North and 375 West in Jackson Township will soon become a four-way stop.

Jay County commissioners on Monday passed an ordinance that paves the way for two additional stop signs to be placed on 650 North. Signs warning of the new stops will also be in place leading up to the junction.

The ordinance provides better safety measures for the busy rural roads, Commissioner Faron Parr said. Currently, stops exist only on both sides of 375 West, north and south of the junction.

"We're being proactive," to avoid future accidents by approving extra signs, Parr said.

The recommendation for enhanced safety measures came from a traffic study conducted by the Jay County Highway Department. Parr explained commissioners received suggestions to either reduce the speed limit in that area of 650 North or put up signs.

"I think it's safer to do a four-way (stop)," Parr said. "The people aren't going to slow down unless you're policing it all the time."

The study took place from 6 a.m. on Oct. 5 to 6 a.m. on Oct. 8. Ken Wellman, Highway Department superintendent, said a traffic counter was placed in the westbound lane of 650 North during that time, with the marker located at the top of a steep hill leading to the intersection.

The traffic equipment recorded speeds for 482 vehicles during the 72-hour period, Wellman said.

Thirty-nine of those automobiles broke the speed limit of 55 mph. There has also been a history of accidents at the intersection, he added.

"Anyone going 55 (mph) or more would have a real problem stopping at that intersection if something went wrong," Wellman said.

"It's not a pleasant situation at times."

Wellman also said the highway department plans to add flashing lights near the crossing for a week or two after the project is finished, in order to inform drivers.

"We want to try to make sure everyone's aware there's been a change down there," said Wellman, adding he expects work to start on the intersection later this week.

There are several factors that make the crossroads a prime candidate for increased safety precautions, according to Wellman, including a large hill to the east of the intersection that makes visibility difficult for drivers.

Also, there is currently just one stop sign on 650 North between Ind. 1 and U.S. 27, said Brad Burkett, commissioners' attorney. It is located at county road 550 West - nearly two miles away - enticing some motorists to drive faster because they don't have to stop for a long distance.

"People were using it as a highway," said Burkett, who crafted the ordinance approved by two of the three commissioners. Gary Theurer was not present for the vote on Monday.

A large Amish population in that part of the county also raises concerns, Parr said. Children at play and slow-moving, horse-drawn buggies are especially vulnerable to the dangerous intersection.

Duane Moser, who lives adjacent to the junction, welcomed news of plans for additional warning and stop signs.

"They should have done that years ago," Moser said Monday afternoon.

He said in an interview at his home that he has witnessed "several" accidents at the intersection and speeders are common. Moser added he advises visitors to his house to avoid backing onto the road from his driveway.

"I don't back out of here, no way," he said. "I tell anyone who pulls in, "Just swing around, cut through the yard. Do whatever you've got to do (to) pull out (of) here. And you don't waste any time when you take off.'"



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