The Idaho Transportation Department has changed its mind about installing a four-way stop at Timmerman Junction south of Bellevue. Instead, it will reduce the speed limit at the controversial intersection and implement other safety improvements within the coming months.
In a news release issued Wednesday, the ITD acknowledged that the change of plan was made because of objections from Blaine County officials.
The main critic was Sheriff Walt Fleming, who complained at two public meetings this month that making the intersection into a four-way stop would increase the number of rear-end accidents and would cause unsafe traffic congestion on Timmerman Hill, just south of the intersection.
Femling said Thursday that he is pleased with the latest development.
"We met with them this week and we're part of why they moved the way they did," Femling said. "They were very cordial and we were part of the plan for making these improvements. I think it's a good cooperative effort and we're going to work together to make the intersection safer."
Timmerman Junction, where state Highway 75 meets U.S. Highway 20, has come under scrutiny recently because of an increase in the number of accidents at the intersection. There have been three serious accidents at the intersection since June, resulting in injuries to 11 people.
Only eastbound and westbound traffic on Highway 20 is required to stop.
The ITD announced its plan for a four-way stop in November, following requests from local officials in Blaine County that safety improvements be put in place as soon as possible.
The plan now is to reduce the speed limit for northbound and southbound traffic on Highway 75 from 55 mph to 45 mph within about a half mile on both sides of the intersection. The ITD didn't announce a date for implementing the new speed restrictions, but stated in the news release that it will be done as soon as weather permits.
This spring, the ITD plans to narrow the traffic lanes on Highway 75 and install rumble strips in the center strip between northbound and southbound traffic.
Spokesman Nathan Jerke said narrower lanes and rumble strips help to "naturally" slow traffic and remind drivers to be cautious and to stay in their own lanes.
New and larger warning signs are planned this spring for both Highway 75 and Highway 20.
The intersection modifications are only intended as a short-term solution. The ITD intends within the next several years to make major safety improvements at the junction. One consideration is a roundabout.
Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com
The Idaho Transportation Department has scrapped its plan for a four-way stop at Timmerman Junction south of Bellevue. The intersection has been the site of several recent injury accidents, including the one shown here last summer. Photo by Mountain Express
