The second reading of the proposed ordinances that would add stop signs on East 12th Street South at South 13th Avenue East and on West 3rd Street North at North 3rd Avenue West are on tonight’s Newton Council City agenda. The Newton City Council is meeting this evening due to yesterday’s Labor Day Holiday. 

Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess says there have been twelve reported accidents on East 12th Street South at South 13th Avenue East since 2020, but he can not definitely say they could have been prevented if north and southbound traffic had been required to stop, as now proposed. Council member Randy Ervin lives near the intersection, and says the real problem is east and westbound drivers running their stop signs or failing to yield.

“They just blow those stop signs. I don’t know if they just don’t see them or are not paying attention. But if nothing else, a stop sign on north and south traffic will make that traffic stop. So, if they still miss that stop sign, the collision will be way less. If you are going 35 or 40 and someone blows that stop sign, it’s pretty serious.”

East 12th Street South at South 13th Avenue East is the first or last in-town intersection on the south side of Newton, depending on whether you are coming into or going out of the city on the Reasnor Road. Newton City Council members have also expressed support for making north and south drivers on West 3rd Street North stop at North Third Avenue West, due to increased pedestrian activity created by the recently opened splash pad. This intersection is on the northwest corner of the popular water attraction.

Tonight’s Newton City Council meeting begins at 6 p.m. at Newton City Hall.