Concerns once again raised about intersection on Clear Lake’s south side

CLEAR LAKE — Some citizens are calling on Clear Lake officials to reexamine the intersection of 27th Avenue South and South 8th Street, which turns into the county road Grouse Avenue at that intersection going south, due to the history of accidents at that intersection.

A number of fatal accidents have taken place at the intersection through the years, and while some improvements have been made to that intersection recently, many think it’s not enough.

Clear Lake resident Shelly Wander’s daughter was involved in an accident at that intersection in February 2020 and recently died. Wander says while there’s been things like flashing red lights on stop signs and changes in the speed limit in that area, those changes have not been effective in securing the safety of the intersection.  “It’s been reported to me that this corridor is scary, it’s a scary intersection and I believe that more  improvement should be considered and put into action and implemented for the safety of our community and our guests. Traffic has increased at this intersection and will continue to increase due to the continued and ongoing development in the area, and we believe that the changes at this corner should be a top priority, and safety should be established before another tragedy happens.”

Wander says several other improvements can be made in and around that intersection.  “Driving north and southbound, the speed limit  currently is at 55 mile an hour if I’m not correct, and I’m asking for a consideration of the following. Slowing that speed limit down to 35. Coming from Thornton, the northbound traffic should be slowed to 45 at a mile prior to 27th Avenue, bring it down to 35 and put up stop signs and make it a four-way stop, because it’s two ways now.”

Wander made her comments recently to the Clear Lake City Council, who indicated they would look further into the issue.