City council explores alternatives after traffic light requirements not met

SIDNEY, NE — The Sidney city council is trying to figure out how to move forward after being told an intersection in town does not meet the requirements for a traffic light. 

The council talked with Don Dye from M.C. Shaaf and Associates, the company that conducted the traffic study at Pole Creek Crossing and Fort Sidney Road in November. Dye told the council the study showed that none of the requirements for warranting a traffic light were close to being met. He doesn't believe conducting the study at a different time of year, such as in the Summer when the pool is open, would not make enough of a difference to change the results. 

Dye said he did not evaluate the numbers in regards to seeing if they meet the standards for a four-way stop, but estimated those warrants would not be met either. 

The council asked Dye about possible alternatives to improve safety at the intersection. The most notable possible change would include removing part of the guardrail between the road and sidewalk of the Fort Sidney Road bridge near the intersection. 

"I want to do some more consultation with my staff, but I think we could remove, there's a short metal guardrail on top of the concrete guardrail that's between the street and sidewalk, I think we could remove that," Dye said. "I think it would improve the sight distance."

Other options include, installing stop signs that light up and  adding signs on Pole Creek Crossing reminding drivers that traffic on Fort Sidney Road does not stop. Putting in a flashing red light for Pole Creek traffic and a flashing yellow light for Fort Sidney Road drivers was also discussed, although multiple city officials said that could lead to confusion. 

The city did not decide on what improvements to implement at Tuesday's meeting. Rather, it was just a chance for them to discuss options moving forward. 

City council members and city manager David Scott have previously expressed disappointment in the study's findings. Councilman Joe Arterburn also said citizens have reached out to him with concerns, particularly because many people go through that intersection on their way to Sidney Regional Medical Center.