MONROE - The city's Public Safety Commission will take up the issue of flashing traffic lights at a major intersection Monday.
Monroe Fire Chief Daryl Rausch asked the commission to consider eliminating the overnight mode of flashing red and yellow lights and maintain regular daytime mode at the intersection of Wisconsin 69 and Eighth Street.
"I based my recommendation on the perception of response that I've seen in the four to five years I've been chief," Rausch said.
All intersections in town have been reviewed, but "it's really only one (with problems) at this time," Rausch said.
The intersection becomes a flashing yellow light for vehicles on Wis. 69, and flashing red on Eighth Street from 11 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. daily.
Rausch believes most accidents happen because drivers on Eighth Street have flashing yellow lights until they reach Wis. 69 and suddenly have a flashing red.
A flashing red light requires the driver to stop and proceed with caution. Drivers on Wis. 69 have a flashing yellow and the right of way.
According to Police Chief Fred Kelley, the intersection has been the site of two reported accidents with injuries in 2008. No injuries from accidents were reported in 2007, but seven accidents with property damage were reported. So far this year, only two accidents have had reportable property damage. Damages less that $1,000 are not reportable.
Rausch said the department has been called out to the intersection for more accidents which are not necessarily reportable.
A call costs the fire department $323 in work hours, plus about $50 for fuel expenses. Rausch did not have an exact count of calls to the intersection.
Rausch said to reset the timing of the lights should not cost anything.
But Street Supervisor Tom Boll said there is a potential problem with the change, because the timing is tied in with the lights on Wis. 69 and Sixth Street. Boll said he will present the issue to the commission at its Oct. 6 meeting.
Monroe Fire Chief Daryl Rausch asked the commission to consider eliminating the overnight mode of flashing red and yellow lights and maintain regular daytime mode at the intersection of Wisconsin 69 and Eighth Street.
"I based my recommendation on the perception of response that I've seen in the four to five years I've been chief," Rausch said.
All intersections in town have been reviewed, but "it's really only one (with problems) at this time," Rausch said.
The intersection becomes a flashing yellow light for vehicles on Wis. 69, and flashing red on Eighth Street from 11 p.m. until 5:30 a.m. daily.
Rausch believes most accidents happen because drivers on Eighth Street have flashing yellow lights until they reach Wis. 69 and suddenly have a flashing red.
A flashing red light requires the driver to stop and proceed with caution. Drivers on Wis. 69 have a flashing yellow and the right of way.
According to Police Chief Fred Kelley, the intersection has been the site of two reported accidents with injuries in 2008. No injuries from accidents were reported in 2007, but seven accidents with property damage were reported. So far this year, only two accidents have had reportable property damage. Damages less that $1,000 are not reportable.
Rausch said the department has been called out to the intersection for more accidents which are not necessarily reportable.
A call costs the fire department $323 in work hours, plus about $50 for fuel expenses. Rausch did not have an exact count of calls to the intersection.
Rausch said to reset the timing of the lights should not cost anything.
But Street Supervisor Tom Boll said there is a potential problem with the change, because the timing is tied in with the lights on Wis. 69 and Sixth Street. Boll said he will present the issue to the commission at its Oct. 6 meeting.