Safety measures needed at dangerous Marion intersection

Something needs to be done to reduce accidents at the very busy intersection of Hwy 100 and East Post Road. On Jan. 11, a driver was killed there when a semi-truck ran a red light and hit a car broadside.

The green light speed limit on Hwy 100 at that location is 55 mph! This past Sunday morning, I was about to perform the same turn that caused the Jan. 11 accident and death. Having a green arrow to turn west onto Hwy 100, no less than three eastbound vehicles busted through the red lights. Thankfully I was aware of the dangers of this intersection and was watching for cross traffic.

I call upon the Iowa DOT to add yellow warning lights and rumble strips, similar to those at the Hwy 13- Hwy 100 intersection, to warn drivers of the impending red lights at East Post Road. To further reduce high speed impacts, I also request that the Iowa DOT reduce the speed limit to 45 mph on Hwy 100 from First Avenue NE to 31st Street in Marion. One only needs to see the skid marks at the Menards entrance, on a curved portion of eastbound Hwy 100 to see that a lower speed limit is warranted.

There is no excuse to not do any of these safety measures. Will this prevent all future accidents? No. But it would certainly reduce the events, reduce or prevent serious injuries and save lives.

Dale Braun

Cedar Rapids

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