BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) - The intersection of 7th St. and Dunn St. near campus has been the spot for nearly 12 crashes in the last year, according to Bloomington City Engineer Andrew Cibor. That reason is why Cibor issued a 180-day mandate converting the intersection to an all-way stop.
"Any time we can avoid a crash at the frequency we're seeing them, it's something I don't want to wait for more crashes to happen,” Cibor said
Typically, city council would have to approve any changes recommended by the traffic commission. However Bloomington City Code allows the city engineer to issue a temporary mandate if any problem needs addressed with urgency.
“The amount of traffic volume and sometimes there's traffic congestion on the street filling, putting in, slowing a stop at an always stop will reduce the likelihood of those crashes and make the intersection much safer,” Cibor said.
All traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists in the bike lane, are required by law to stop at the intersection. Cibor also recommended modifications to speed limits along 7th St, as well as stop signs at other intersections, but 7th and Dunn St. was the intersection with far more crashes.
As more drivers become familiar with the changes to the intersection the city stresses that everyone should give extra attention to the roadway. There is no word yet on when city council may decide to make the change permanent.
