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Commission holds special meeting to discuss traffic signals

By Greg Bebermeyer

07/15/2024

(KNZA)--The Hiawatha City Commission in a special meeting Monday morning voted unanimously to turn the traffic signals at the intersection of 1st and Oregon Streets back to flashing mode and re-install the stops signs at the intersection to control east-west traffic.

The meeting came after the Kansas Department of Transportation informed the city last week that they would be turning off the signals on Wednesday or Thursday and putting bags over them after the city failed to switch the lights back to flashing mode by a June 28th KDOT imposed deadline.

The signals were switched from flashing mode to normal operation on May 22 after the wiring was repaired at the intersection.

Even with the action taken Monday, Commissioner Brian Shefferd said KDOT may still cover the lights, which he and Commissioner Toni Hull said would make the intersection even more dangerous and distract drivers.

The two commissioners said they are not giving up on the traffic signals.

Mayor Becky Shamburg said the Commission needs to move forward with coming up with a plan for making the intersection as safe as possible.

KDOT says the current signals are out of compliance and need to be updated. The city would be responsible for the entire cost of any upgrade, which has been estimated at up to $750,000.

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