By Andy Dahn

BLOOMINGTON – It has been nearly six months since Bloomington officials installed flashing stop signs at the intersection of Lincoln and Bunn streets, making it a four-way stop.

Assistant City Manager Steve Rasmussen said before the additional signs were added, a large number of accidents occurred at the intersection, including a fatal motorcycle crash on March 16th. Rasmussen said the city needed to conduct studies and collect information before installing the signs.

“You look at the data to make sure that you’re not creating a bigger problem than you were,” Rasmussen said. “The investigation revealed that with the number of crashes we’ve had there, the additional traffic control devices were warranted.”

Rasmussen said city officials are pleased with the changes to the intersection.

“We put in lighted signs that work off of solar panels,” said Rasmussen. “That’s an increased safety feature that we’re very happy with.”

There has been only one accident at the intersection since it became a four-way stop, which Rasmussen said was a minor fender-bender.

“I think we’ve heard back from people that have seen the four-way that they are happy with it,” Rasmussen said. “I have not heard anyone say that they aren’t happy with it.”

As far as the lack of an Illinois budget, Rasmussen said Bloomington has been working on contingency plans to continue to operate without adequate state funding. As for Bloomington receiving that funding, Rasmussen said the city has no choice but to wait and see.

Andy Dahn can be reached at [email protected].