UPDATED with County Line Rd and State Rte. 81 information, below

By Paula Pyzik Scott

Crash statistics show that high speed rural roads are more dangerous than highways. Accidents caused by failure to stop at stop signs is actually increasing. One intersection near Ada, at County Line Rd. and State Route 81, has been designated for the construction of a $4.55M roundabout by ODOT to address the frequency and severity of accidents at that location. But how can failure to stop be addressed at more intersections?

RESERVOIR RD AND MCCLURE RD
Following an August 12 serious injury accident at Reservoir Road and McClure Road in Jackson Township, the Icon asked Allen County Engineer Brion Rhodes about potential safety upgrades to dangerous intersections.

"It’s difficult to determine if these accidents are caused by drivers not paying attention or if they are choosing not to stop. Unfortunately this seems to be a trend, as drivers appear aggressive and more distracted than ever before.

"As for the Reservoir and McClure intersection and your specific question about additional signage, from an engineering standpoint, our goal is to minimize the use of traffic signs/signals, so they are as effective as possible. 

"Therefore, we try to limit new signage, as we don’t want drivers to become complacent with other more standard signage. With that being said, the current signage appears to be correct and clearly marked, so we don’t plan to add double stop or double stop ahead signs at this time. 

"However, we have taken another look at the intersection and plan to make a couple minor improvements.  Our plan is to trim back some of the tree limbs east of the intersection and install an intersection ahead sign on the west side of the intersection."

Rhodes responded to the Icon that there are no stop bars on the pavement.

STATE RTE 81 AND COUNTY RD 15
ODOT District 1 notified the Icon that they have completed the following:

• Relocating some signs to improve sight at the intersection
• Installing reverse curve warning signs on SR 81
• Painting stop bars

ODOT will add dual stop signs in the coming weeks. 

The construction of a roundabout for this intersection is expected in 2030.