Pocatello looks to make intersection safer
The Benton Street and Second Avenue intersection has seen its fair share of accidents over the years, which is why the city plans to make it safer.
With only two stop signs on both sides of Second Avenue, there isn’t a lot to stop or slow down cars at the intersection. That makes a high-risk location for accidents.
“That intersection has been identified as one of the more dangerous intersections in Pocatello,” said Nick McAtee, project engineer.
According to the Pocatello Police Department, there have been 20 accidents at the intersection in the past three years. To help prevent more, the city is planning to install a raised median in the middle of Benton Street. It will run completely through the intersection.
The median will block drivers on Second Avenue from turning left onto Benton Street and from driving straight through it. McAtee said those were the main reasons for accidents in the intersection.
The city will also be modifying nearby handicap-accessible ramps and sidewalks. More street lighting will be added to the intersection as well.
There will be a public meeting at City Hall concerning the intersection’s new design Thursday from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. People will have a chance to give their opinion of the new design and speak with engineers working on the project.
