The High Risk Rural Roads Committee is considering a Rural Intersection Lighting project. Lighting intersections is a low cost safety tool to prevent roadway crashes, fatalities, injury, and property damage.
Research out of Minnesota showed a 20% crash reduction factor for lit intersections. Researchers targeted sixty-three intersections across rural Minnesota to evaluate for effectiveness in lighting for safety. The study is available for download at https://www.cts.umn.edu/publications/report/lighting-levels-for-isolated-intersections-leading-to-safety-improvements.
Bruce Filipi, Saline County Highway Superintendent and HRRR Committee member, encourages counties to look at intersections that might be good candidates for this project. "I think this will be a great opportunity for counties with busier roads and higher volume intersections to make those safer," said Filipi.
Local agencies interested in this projects should let Mitch know they have one or more projects to be considered. At this time, specific eligibility requirements have not, yet, been established. The initial interest locations received will help guide the program parameters and implementation.