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Traffic signals at Hiawatha intersection to be removed

By Greg Bebermeyer

06/06/2023

(KNZA)--Following ongoing discussions with the Kansas Department of Transportation, the city of Hiawatha announced Tuesday that the traffic signals at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets will be removed in accordance with KDOT instruction.

The city, in a press release, said discussions with KDOT have been ongoing since the fall of 2017 when the southwest signal pole fell during a wind event. The city's request for a permit to repair the lights was denied by KDOT. In an effort to obtain a repair permit, the city requested a traffic control study. Since 2017, two traffic control studies were completed regarding the intersection. The city says neither study satisfied KDOT, who concluded that traffic signals at the intersection were unnecessary.

The city made efforts to re-use the existing signal poles at the intersection. However, the release says upon inspection of the remaining poles, a determination was made that the signal poles do not meet current design standards, leaving the city with no practical choice but to remove them.

Following the removal of the signals, the city says the intersection at First and Oregon Streets will operate as a two-way stop with traffic flowing freely on First Street and stop signs located along Oregon Street on the east and west sides of the intersection.

The city urges motorists to use caution when entering the intersection, especially at high traffic times during the school year.

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