Carroll County Engineer, Zac Andersen, has been exploring signal options for the intersection of County Roads M68 and E16, west of Breda. There is currently a flashing beacon at the intersection—red for east to west traffic and yellow for north to south. The pricing on available alternatives includes LED stop signs that are running about $1,660 each while yellow, post-mounted solar flashing beacons are more expensive, estimated at $2,200 each. Andersen says this was discussed nearly a year ago, but the current flashing beacon is now reaching end of life and they would like to get a replacement in place before it fails completely. The good point of the flashing beacon is that it can be seen for quite a distance in all directions and he believes it has helped keep the accident count down to five over the past 10 years with no fatalities. The Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT), however, has shifted away from the flashing beacons hanging in the center of intersections in recent years and toward more post-mounted and solar options. The stop signs would flash red at the east and west intersections, something that draws the driver’s attention. Andersen says he has concerns with the idea of using a yellow flashing signal because the standard for yellow is to proceed with caution. It would provide benefits, but east/west drivers may not recognize a stop is required a short distance ahead. Andersen told the Carroll County Board of Supervisors he will order the LED stop signs, but will hold off for now on the flashing beacon replacement.
