Those who frequent the intersection of 1st Street and Willis Avenue in Perry will see a few changes later this year.
The City Council approved plans and specifications and ordering of bids for signal improvements at the intersection during their meeting Monday.
City Administrator Sven Peterson says the goal is to improve safety for all.
“This is going to (have) all new traffic signals and even pedestrian count downs, which is going to be huge. With my office right there I see a bunch of kids crossing the street there on their bikes and walking. It will be nice to have that intersection much more safe and just thought out. So we’re excited for that (project).”
As for motorists, there will be some changes in the lane structure.
“Typically you want intersections to have equal lanes on all sides. The eastbound and westbound lanes right now are three lanes, the northbound and southbound are four lanes. So we want to get that to an all three lane intersection because that just helps with turning and traffic movement. Especially because there are a lot of semis that take that corner so that will really help with the semi traffic making that turn.”
The roughly $380,000 project will be paid for through a traffic safety improvement grant from the Iowa Department of Transportation.
Peterson says he expects the improvements will be completed by this winter.
A public hearing on the issue will take place during the September 7th regular City Council meeting.