Commissioners considering three-way stop at intersection of Roads M and 11

YORK COUNTY – The York County Commissioners are considering installing three stop signs at the intersection of Roads M and 11, due to safety concerns.

​This week, they met with York County Highway Superintendent Harvey Keim and Lance Harter from Oak Creek Engineering.
York County Commissioners Daniel Grotz and Andy Bowman said individuals who live in the area of that intersection have expressed concerns about safety at the T-intersection, due to the high rate of traffic. The county enlisted the help of the engineering firm, which is typically done when stop signs and speed limits are modified in a county.
“We have an urban and rural setting here,” Harter told the county board. “We looked at all the factors and the top priority is safety.”
Harter said, “Perception reaction time and driver expectations come into play,” and the west leg of this intersection has the most traffic. He also said there are sight obstructions on all three approaches. “The recommendation is that this needs to be an all-the-way stop, with three stop signs.”
“If we decide to stop one and yield two, would that be looked at unfavorably if there is an accident?” asked York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier.
Harter said yes, that would be the case.
It was asked if counties are mandated to have independent engineering/traffic studies for each intersection such as this – but as was seen at a recent NIRMA session attended by county board members, that appears to be the case, to reduce liability and to increase safety.
“This is an insurance policy for the county,” Harter said.
It was clarified, in broad terms, this location is “just east of the radio station,” as this roadway is used by many people.
Harter said further enhancement of visual ability for motorists could include the removal of trees – he also noted there are a number of trees in that location which are privately owned and if the county wanted to pursue that, they would have to provide financial compensation for their removal.
“There have been concerns about this intersection, now you have the information you need to take action,” Keim said to the board.
Keim and Harter said they will bring forward a resolution, which is required, to install three stop signs at that intersection.
Again, Grotz and Bowman said the residents near that intersection want to see a three-way stop, as this is a problematic intersection.
Harter said the posted speed limits in that area are 50 mph, from the east, north and west. A traffic study was conducted which showed an estimated vehicle count of 260 at the west leg, 160 at the south leg and 100 at the east leg.
Harter’s recommendation says, “Appropriate sight triangles do not meet minimum sight distances for an uncontrolled intersection; therefore, the intersection should have regulatory control by permanent signs. Traffic approaching from the west (eastbound) have problematic horizontal and vertical sight distance limitations and consideration must be given to the reaction time and stopping sight distance needed to avoid vehicle departure from the south leg of the intersection. A complete stop seems prudent to safely navigate the intersection. Traffic approaching from the south (northbound) have sight distance limitations and a complete stop seems prudent to safely navigate the intersection. Traffic approaching from the east (westbound) have sight distance limitations and non-standard vertical alignment for uncontrolled intersection conditions. A complete stop seems prudent to safely navigate the intersection.”
So the engineering team recommends, “Each leg of this intersection has sight distance concerns, whether it be seasonal, permanent or both. The safest and most cost-efficient option to improve this intersection is to apply stop condition to all legs to offset sight distance limitations, prevent stopping distance issues and to better satisfy driver expectancy. Each leg should receive permanent signs.”
The commissioners will take up a resolution to install a three-way stop at this intersection during their next meeting.