The city of Springfield announced they will be installing a median at an intersection that has caused a high number of accidents in recent years.
City officials say the intersection at National and Kingsley has totaled 22 accidents in a 30 month period, with 21 of those accidents connected to someone attempting to make a left turn from Kingsley onto National. City staff noted this total didn’t include accidents that were not reported to police and a number of observed “close calls.”
A median will be installed at the intersection that will make it impossible for drivers to turn left onto National. Drivers will also not be able to completely cross over National.
“This is what we call a three-quarter access or “left-in, right-in, right-out’ only,” Traffic Engineer Brett Foster said in a statement. “It still allows traffic to flow in and out but restricts the risky and often impractical left-turns out attempted there. These improvements will help reduce loss of property, personal injury and make this area much safer for all who use it.”
The cost is estimated at under $10,000. The funds come from the 1/4 cent Capital Improvement Sales Tax Traffic Calming Program.