Northfield Adds Bumpouts to Reduce Traffic Accidents

Have you witnessed an accident near the intersection of Fifth Street E. and Washington Street in Northfield?

Recently, the intersection has seen a higher rate of crashes compared to similar intersections, according to a news release.

As a result, the Northfield City Council authorized the installation of temporary curb bumpouts in an effort to reduce the number of crashes that occur.

Northfield Public Works Director David Bennett said that traffic crashes will be monitored over the next year, as the city plans for other street improvements on Washington Street in 2018.

By installing temporary bumpouts, city officials will be able to determine if bumpouts should be constructed in a permanent manner, or if the city should consider another treatment to improve safety at the intersection.

Bennet said narrowing the street with bumpouts can have following benefits:

1. Shorten the crossing distance for pedestrians, which reduces exposure to traffic.
2. Vehicles will have better sightlines of pedestrians.
3. Narrowing of the roadway can cause driver discomfort, which reduces vehicle speeds approaching the intersection and speeds on the roadway.

Users of the roadway should continue to follow traffic laws and yield for pedestrians that cross Washington Street. Traffic on Washington Street will operate as it has in the past with a single northbound and southbound traffic lane.

Image via City of Northfield