WORTHINGTON -- Motorists on Oxford Street (U.S. 59) will no longer need to stop at the intersection with Omaha Avenue after Aug. 13. However, cross traffic, or motorists on Omaha Avenue will need to comply with a stop sign before entering the intersection when it is clear.
The intersection is at the entrance to the Northland Mall parking lot, which is currently being rebranded as Promenade on Oxford as part of a redevelopment plan.
The evaluation and potential removal of the signal is to improve traffic flow and safety, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Current and forecasted traffic at the intersection is not high enough to warrant the signal that has been in-place since 1981.
Replacing the signal with through-stop control (a two-way stop) is expected to reduce the frequency and severity of crashes, based on crash records from other urban through-stop controlled intersections on the state highway system with similar traffic volumes. It is believed that through-stop controlled intersections have fewer crashes because motorists are required to be attentive and actively look for a safe gap in traffic, rather than relying on a traffic signal indication that does not tell the motorist if it is safe to enter the intersection. Replacing the signal with through-stop control will also reduce delays for both motorists and pedestrians at the intersection.
Crews from MnDOT will cover the signal lights on Aug. 13 and add the following signs:
Traffic Control Change Ahead – on all intersection approaches
Stop ahead warning signs – on northbound Omaha Avenue
Stop Signs with flashing LED lights – on both Omaha Avenue approaches
Cross traffic does not stop – on both Omaha Avenue approaches, below the stop signs
In conjunction with the signal deactivation, MnDOT will evaluate the traffic operations of the revised intersection over the next few months. If during the evaluation no adverse traffic impacts are observed by MnDOT, the signal will remain deactivated until it can be removed in mid-November. In addition to the expected crash and delay reduction benefits, the removal of the signal would also result in cost savings to both the city of Worthington and MnDOT.
