Stop signs and more considered for Craigville and Liberty Township
By HOLLY GASKILL
Several stop signs and additional safety measures may soon be added in Craigville and Liberty Township.
Wells County Engineer Nate Rumschlag told commissioners he recently received a request regarding the intersection of West and Market streets and where West Street meets Railroad Street in Craigville.
Additionally, Rumschlag stated the Indiana Department of Transportation had inquired about traffic control devices at the intersection of County Road 300W and U.S. 224 in Liberty Township.
“They seemed very anxious to hear back from me about the area,” Rumschlag said.
The intersection had been reported by a county resident to INDOT for crash history, including a recent increase in crashes. This has also included several fatal crashes, with the most recent occurring last June. According to Rumschlag, the citizen report stated drivers were ignoring the stop sign at full speed.
Rumschlag indicated INDOT is discussing possible striping changes, a curve correction, or the addition of ancillary signs. Rumschlag said he would advocate that INDOT would first consider lighted stop signs or spinners.
“My intent is to participate in any way I can to make that safer,” Rumschlag stated.
The commissioners unanimously approved Rumschlag’s interaction with INDOT, in addition to amending the traffic safety ordinance to include the previously mentioned stop signs in Craigville.
Other updates were:
• Rumschlag has continued with design plans for a small structure on River Road but will need to partner with the city to finalize details. According to Rumschlag, the structure falls within both parties’ jurisdictions.
• A hearing will be held April 3 to increase the drainage rates for Bills Creek Watershed. Surveyor Jarrod Hahn said the 7,000-acre watershed has been running at a deficit for many years, most recently running at a consistent $30,000 loss.
• A preliminary agreement was approved with the Butler Fairman Seufert engineering firm for construction on Bridge 54. Both parties will have to wait for INDOT approval of the project before proceeding; Rumschlag believed he would hear back by the end of the week.
• The county is required to pay $900 for an asbestos survey of Bridge 105 before replacement.
holly@news-banner.com
