Dangerous Intersections in GC

[Lou]

Yesterday, I observed the results of yet another traffic accident at the intersection of Fleming and Harding streets.  In this one, it appeared that no one was hurt and the damage was limited to "fender bender" status.  But I've seen other wrecks there, that were much worse.  It's amazing that there has been no effort by our City to install traffic signals at this very dangerous intersection.  Sure, it would slow-down traffic on Fleming a bit, but the inconvenience would be worth the security and peace of mind that motorists would have when driving on Harding, either eastbound or westbound.  Talk about a crap shoot!  This location, as well as Fleming and Spruce, certainly need traffic control devices.

Certainly, the traffic flow has been studied at these two intersections.  Why not invest the $$$ now, to avoid future accidents, injury and... even worse?

Anyone else know of any other dangerous intersections around town?

[november]

I think the intersection of Farmland (dirt road) and Schulman is pretty gruesome. It's on a hill with lots of trees on one side and you can't see anything if you're heading to town. If you were to miss the stop sign, it would be fatal. I think that one should be a 4-way stop, not just on the one side. I live out here and there was a bad car wreck including the death of an older gentleman just a few weeks ago (and two other people badly injured as well, not sure of their status).  Of course, that's outside city limits so I don't know if that counts.

If you drive down 11th street, heading from Gertrude Walker towards Kansas Avenue, there is an intersection there that is ridiculous as well. I don't know how to explain it other than one of the side streets has an intersection where the stop sign is in the middle of 11th street. I think it's the intersection of Jenny & 11th. Hard to explain but if anyone travels that road from time to time, they'll know what I mean. It's the street behind Burtis Motor.

[dsato]

I remember back in March we ran a story about the intersection of U.S. Highway 50 and North Third Street. At the time, there had been a number of accidents there within a relatively short time span.

Apparently in January, Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue called the intersection the most dangerous in the county.

When I first moved here, I was fairly confused at the streets around The Telegram that had no stop sign in either direction. Almost a year later I try and avoid those intersections as much as possible because I am afraid someone will just drive on through without slowing.

[Lou]

I agree with you, November.  On both counts.  Just roll the dice...

Since my original post, I have another one to add.  It's the "4-way" stop at the US50 and US83 junction... right in the middle of the road construction on 50.  This one is dicey too, especially since the change in location where the two major US highways intersect.  Granted, it's a temporary condition (or situation), but it's even riskier than the previous conventional 4-way stop that was in place for years.  Now, you have to consider the wide-swing turns of semi trucks in addition to the already congested traffic flow.  It's not inherently unsafe, but it's going to require extra caution each time you must pass through this intersection.  I have to use it twice each day... at about 6:30 AM, then again at around 5:30 PM to get to and from work.  Early in the morning, it's not so dangerous, but the late afternoon traffic is, well, much more attention-requiring for all drivers.

As they used to say on Hill Street Blues, "be careful out there".  Use good judgment and your best defensive driving skills if you need to pass-through this area to commute to and from work.

That, and cross your fingers and toes... and hope for the best.

[DodgerFan]

Just an FYI for those who have concerns about the dangerous intersections in Garden City. The City of Garden City has several advisory boards, one of them is the Traffic Advisory Board (next meeting Wed, Sept 15 at 5:30 PM in City Admin, 301 N Eighth St), which is where you need to direct your concerns. The City of Garden City's website: http://www.garden-city.org/cityofgardencitywebsite/government/governmentlayout.html?governmentcontent/main/main.html will provide contact information for these advisory boards.
There is a complicated formula that is used to determine the types of traffic control warranted for intersections. It is based on city population, traffic flow east, west, north & south for each intersection on an hourly basis. Also taken into consideration by the City is the number of accidents that are intersection/intersection-related, whether non-injury, injury or fatality, angle of collision, etc.
The Traffic Advisory Board looks at all intersections that have high collision rates and yes, Fleming/Harding and Fleming/Spruce have been on the list and have been studied.
The other intersections mentioned in this thread, US 83/US 50 4 way north of town, 3rd/US 50 and Schulman/Farmland Rd are all in the county, with the first two involving US highways and fall outside of the City of Garden City Traffic Advisory Board and would have be addressed by KDOT. Schulman/Farmland complaints/concerns need to be directed to Finney County Public Works.

I hope this information helps and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me since I am a member of the Traffic Advisory Board. Just post a reply and I will monitor this thread.

Cathy Hernandez

[Lou]

Thanks for the info, Cathy.

Let's hope the TAB will communicate the dangers of the two mentioned intersections to the City.  Perhaps the City will take some corrective measures for the safety of  citizens and visitors.

 

[tannerlucas]

This is a great topic, and one that I definitely think could merit some further discussion.  Some intersections aren't under the auspice of the Traffic Advisory Board because they are located outside the City limits, but the City will be sure to forward these comments to the State of Kansas and Finney County so they are aware of the discussion as well.  Moreover, if you have some suggestions about how the City can improve intersections in Garden City, please post them on our Facebook discussion forum where citizens are inputting information about what should be included in the CIP for the upcoming year.  Just click the link, and it will take you to the forum.  http://www.facebook.com/CityofGardenCityKS?v=app_2373072738#!/topic.php?uid=98922144046&topic=14223

[Lou]

Cathy and Tanner,

Has the TAB had the opportunity to re-address either of the originally-mentioned intersections? 

This evening, I observed a line of cars heading westbound on Harding that were "caught" at the intersection of Fleming.  I was last in line, for a brief moment.  There were 7 vehicles in front of me, waiting for their "chance" to get through the stop sign at that intersection (and I say that because we all took our "chances" getting across on Harding or turned onto Fleming).  Impatient, some drivers risked a "T-Bone" situation, simply to get through the intersection.  That's dangerous.  My time spent waiting at the intersection?  3 minutes (observed on my dashboard clock).  That's longer than catching a "red" at 5-Points and waiting an entire cycle for the "green" at that 6-road intersection.  No wonder many drivers use Johnson Street from Harding to connect with Fleming (or vice-versa)... to avoid a long wait.  Problem is, many of them travel at speeds reaching 40 MPH, in the process, along residential Johnson.  Yikes!

With luck, the Advisory Board can help make this one a priority for signal placement.  I know that we taxpaying citizens would be grateful for the traffic control equipment and enhanced safety it would provide to all drivers and passengers.

Thanks much for your continued input at the next TAB meeting.

[DodgerFan]

Unfortunately, I was not able to attend the last Traffic Advisory Board meeting due to other obligations. However, I will make sure it is brought up at the next meeting.
Approx what time of the day did this occur? You said "this evening" but that can span several hours so I was wanting to narrow down the time frame for this particular incident.

Thanks in advance.

Cathy

[Lou]

It took place at approximately 5:40 - 5:45 PM, Cathy.

Thanks for being an active member of the TAB, as well as a caring citizen.

[DodgerFan]

Thanks for the additional information. I already discussed your concerns with GC Public Works ref this intersection.

You are welcome ref your last sentence.  Thank your for sharing your concerns regarding the intersections.

Cathy