Supervisors approve safety measure for accident-prone corner

Two flashing beacons will be added to Highway T22S near the curve in Killduff following an outpouring of concern. The Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved the addition after hearing from several Killduff residents on Tuesday.

Supervisor Doug Cupples added the topic to the previous meeting agenda because of feedback about the safety of the area, named Killduff corner, and asked the county engineer to bring options for further signage for the board to review.

“We looked into additional warning beacons. We ordered those beacons and they will probably be in around the end of the month,” county engineer Russ Stutt said. “Once they come in, we will place those to hopefully help reduce the speeds.”

The beacons will be flashing lights placed on the speed limit signs for both northbound and southbound traffic. They will be solar powered with six hours of charging time lasting approximately three days. The beacons will also be fitted with a secure lock to prevent theft.

Jasper County Chief Deputy Duane Rozendaal said following the discussions last week, he pulled records dating back to January 2015 for the corner. In that time, there were seven reported motor vehicle incidents from both the northbound and southbound lanes.

“Each one of them, every one of them as a matter of fact, have had listed in regards to weather conditions and all of them were loss of control. The roadway has not changed in 52 years I have been alive,” Rozendaal said. “The county has already made concessions to add reflectors and warning devices but, to a point, I don’t know what we can do. It is just distracted driving.”

Cupples agreed operator error is definitely a big issue but that if one more light helps, it will be worth it. He also mentioned a number of people who go off the roadway but do not report the incident. Chad Squires, who owns land adjacent to the corner said it happens frequently.

“We have had multiple times where they come knocking because they’ve gone off the road and need help,” Squires said. There are also several occasions that I can tell my yard is torn up.”

Local business owner Jon Terlouw agreed there are far more incidents than are reported to officials.

“We own the company on the corner, and we have many of the accidents on camera. More people miss it that don’t turn it in than do,” Terlouw said.

Along with property damage, the residents were concerned about pedestrians, specifically children and workers who frequent the area. A ball field used by local youth is located directly in front of the corner and has had two vehicles enter center field after losing control on the corner.

“This is something that will help with the flashing lights, which will hopefully be quicker seen than the sign. Humans and still humans, it has probably gotten worse since cell phones and people are driving faster,” Cupples said. “I certainly hope this helps out.”

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