Keokuk, IA – Keokuk Public Works Director Gerald Moughler says replacing traffic signals at one intersection costs about $250,000. There are ten intersections with traffic signals on Main Street in downtown Keokuk.
The Iowa Department of Transportation has money available for replacing traffic signals at intersections that meet certain usage guidelines.
Members of the Keokuk City Council have learned that the intersections of 8th & Main and 9th & Main do not qualify for state funding.
The Iowa DOT conducted a GAP study at the two intersections in January. The GAP study counts pedestrians and adequate vehicle gaps to allow people safe street crossing.
The study took place from 7:00 am - 8:30 am, 11:40 am - 12:40 pm, and 2:25 to 3:25 on January 13, 14, & 15. Mayor Tom Marion says the average temperature during that time was about 55 degrees.
The times were chosen to target student movements with Wells Carey and George Washington Elementaries nearby.
The DOT says the most pedestrians to use the intersections during a one-hour time period was two. That is far below DOT standards for financial assistance.
A few residents asked for the study, last fall, while the Keokuk City Council was considering removing the traffic signals at the two intersections. The panel briefly discussed the intersections, during its recent meeting, before taking the study under advisement.