CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC The implementation of a “J-turn” or Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT), pictured, was one of the two most popular options presented during a meeting about safety along Highway 30 in State Center held Monday, July 1.

STATE CENTER — Five months have passed since representatives of the Iowa Department of Transportation, State Center officials along with citizens of the community, Marshall County Sheriff’s Office personnel, and others gathered to discuss the high number of accidents occurring at the intersection of Highway 30 and Durham Avenue south of State Center. Since that meeting, another three accidents have occurred at this busy thoroughfare crossing.

The Iowa DOT requested to meet again to see what could be done to reduce the number of car crashes at this site. On Monday, July 1, many of the same people gathered in the State Center Community Hall at 9 a.m. to see how, and what, can be done to make this a “safer” intersection.

It was pointed out that since the first meeting, lines have been painted in the Highway 30 turning median in an attempt to keep drivers in their correct lanes both as they turn into State Center from the west and for those drivers leaving State Center and attempting to turn east onto Highway 30. It was also noted that signage height has been adjusted to allow for better viewing for drivers attempting to enter Highway 30.

Items again discussed, but ultimately not felt to be viable solutions, were making a 4-way stop at the intersection or reducing the speed limit on Highway 30 through that stretch of road where drivers are exiting and entering State Center.

Garnering the most approval were two options (both which had been discussed at the February meeting):

Flashing Speed Feedback Signs or Flashing “Entering Traffic” signs to be placed on Highway 30. It was noted that installing these signs may cost up to $100,000. Willie Sorensen, representing the Iowa Department of Transportation, noted that if the IDOT can “find” the money this year in their budget, they may be able to install the signage by the end of the year. Marshall County Engineer Paul Geilenfeldt shared that they would be able to help fund the project since this stretch of road falls under the City of State Center, Marshall County, and State of Iowa jurisdictions. Neither State Center Mayor Craig Pfantz nor State Center City Clerk Lori Bearden committed that the city would be able to allocate funds for this project.

Sorenson further explained that these signs are not a “silver bullet” but that the hope is that they will reduce the severity/impact of crashes by reducing driver’s speed. Marshall County Sheriff Deputy Ben Veren shared that the signs would be the best option at this time both “speedwise and cost wise.” Veren also noted that a high percentage of those involved in the crashes have been “local” citizens in passenger vehicles who are not looking or paying attention at the intersection.

The implementation of a “J-turn” or Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT). There currently is only one such “expanded roundabout” in the state of Iowa and that is near Ft. Dodge. The definition of a “J-Turn” is defined as: “Instead of motorists crossing fast-moving lanes of traffic to get to the opposing lanes, drivers at a J-turn intersection turn right in the same direction of traffic, merge into the left lane, and then make a u-turn in the direction they intend to travel.” It was noted that Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska have implemented several of these restricted crossings in the past few years. Cost would be a factor with estimates of at least $1 million. Grants could be applied for to fund the project if the city, county, and state all agreed to move forward on the project. The earliest this project would be able to start would be 2026 with many public hearings to be held before the project could begin.

Police Chief Jon Thomas commented that the “community wants something done.” Thomas then concluded the two hour meeting by informing those in attendance to watch the State Center Police Department Facebook page for any future updates and/or progress.