The Linn County Secondary Road Department reminds drivers to use extra caution on rural roads now that crops and vegetation have grown to heights that can reduce visibility and obstruct views. This is especially true at intersections, drives and railroad crossings.
In 2014, the Linn County Secondary Road Department reviewed Linn County’s rural 4-way intersections with speed limits of 55 mph. Stop signs were placed at 19 intersections that previously had been uncontrolled. 4-way intersections along Linn County’s secondary roads with speed limits of 55 mph are controlled with stop signs, creating either a 2-way or 4-way stop. Obeying stop signs and using caution at all intersections is prudent driving on rural roadways.
“We made an investment in safety by installing the stop signs, and our rural intersections are now better controlled, but caution is still necessary because of obstructed views due to crops,” said Ben Merta, Linn County secondary road superintendent. “We’re reminding drivers to be extra careful at intersections this time of year.”
Drivers should treat uncontrolled intersections as if a stop sign is posted. Do not enter an uncontrolled intersection until you are sure no vehicles are coming from the side roads. Do not cross railroad tracks until you are sure that trains are not present.