Sedgwick County commissioners have approved a pilot program to add a new safety feature to a high-accident intersection west of Wichita.
The county has been looking at high accident rates at the intersection of 21st Street North and 167th Street West, and commissioners David Dennis said something has to be done to avoid any more fatalities there. He said the warning system will be a pilot program where the equipment can be used elsewhere if it doesn’t work at this intersection. Dennis said a roundabout would be the long-term solution for the intersection, but that will cost around $1 million and will take several years to develop.
The system would set up flashing orange lights for traffic on 21st Street when traffic is approaching on 167th Street West. There will be continuing flashing orange lights for traffic on 167th.
Commissioners voted 4-1 in favor of the pilot project, with commissioner Jim Howell voting no. Howell raised concerns about liability issues and a need for more study. He said he’s afraid the system will confuse drivers and possibly cause more accidents.
