March 29, 2024

East Third Street traffic signal may be removed

After malfunction, light deemed unnecessary

A traffic signal located at First Avenue East and East Third Street could be permanently removed following a malfunction this week.

Newton Public Works Director Keith Laube said the controller stopped functioning on Monday, leading the city to evaluate its necessity at the intersection.

“The controller malfunctioned, and we had to bag the lights because they weren’t operating properly,” Laube said.

Stop signs have been placed on the north and south bound corners of the intersection on East Third Street temporarily, but they could become permanent in the future.

A recent traffic study conducted by the Iowa Department of Transportation on all the traffic signals on First Avenue. It showed out of all traffic signals on First Avenue, the signal located at the intersection with East Third Street could be eliminated.

“The intersection doesn’t have a lot of north and south traffic now,” Laube said.

If the signal was taken down, the stop signs on East Third Avenue would become permanent, Laube said.

The issue would have to be presented to the city council before any action could take place. Laube said following a maintenance check next week, more decisions will be made on the future of the traffic light.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at
641-792-3121 ext. 6534
or jpierson@newtondailynew.com