BROOKINGS The stoplights at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and FifthStreet in downtown Brookings are being de-commissioned. They will be replaced with stop signs to create a four-way stop at the intersection. The northwest corner of the Childrens Museum of South Dakota is at the intersection.
Starting Feb. 20, the stoplight signals will flash red until they are powered down on May 20. At that point, the four-way stop signs will take effect.
Why the change? Traffic patterns have changed since the signals were installed several decades ago, said City Engineer Charlie Richter. An analysis by the Citys traffic consultant, HDR Inc., determined traffic counts at the intersection no longer warrant the need for the signals.
The traffic counts do, however, justify a four-way stop, Richter said. Plus, the four-way stop should make the intersection safer due to boulevard trees and parked cars impacting the line of sight.
Richter said the signals age prompted the traffic study. Our colleagues at Brookings Municipal Utilities told us it was becoming cost-prohibitive for them to continue to repair or upgrade the signal equipment, he said.
The City Council approved the change Resolution 23-104 on a 7-0 vote in mid-November.
Richter reminds motorists to use caution as they grow accustomed to the change. Flashing red traffic lights mean the same as a stop sign. Motorists must come to a complete stop and then may proceed when it is safe to do so, according to the South Dakota Driver License Manual.
The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by the Federal Highway Administration, is the standard by which traffic signs, signals and more are designed, installed and used.
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