INDOT Tests High Tech Stop Signs

By Brien McElhatten - Dec. 18, 2009

WELLS COUNTY, Ind. (Indiana's NewsCenter) - The standard stop sign has remained relatively unchanged since it debuted in the 1950's. Now, a new version could make two intersections in Wells County safer for drivers.

INDOT officials are testing several signs ringed with bright LED lights at the intersections of S.R. 116 and C.R. 300 W. and S.R. 124 and C.R. 300 W.

"We've seen numerous fatalities, near misses and injuries and we felt like we needed to do something a little different," explained Wells County Commissioner Kevin Woodward.

Woodward pushed for the signs after seeing them in Ohio. He contacted INDOT deputy commissioner Bob Alderman earlier this year for the installation of four- 48 inch LED signs.

The signs were officially unveiled Friday afternoon, much to the satisfaction of Wells County Sheriff Bob Frantz.

"I can remember when I first got involved in public safety a whole family got wiped out right there at that intersection," said Frantz pointing towards the intersection of S.R. 116 and S.R. 124.

One those bad crashes killed Lincoln Murray in 2005. Today his family attended the unveiling.

"We're just thrilled to have this accomplished. Hopefully there will be no more tragedy at this intersection, " said Jaine Murray.

The signs will be tested for the next three years. If they prove effective, more signs may be installed across the area.