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Okoboji City Council Discusses Dangerous Trail Crossing

August 10, 2022 Steve Schwaller

(Okoboji)– There was discussion at the conclusion of Tuesday’s Okoboji City Council meeting regarding a dangerous crossing of the Dickinson County recreational trail in the area of Stakeout Road, just east of Exchange Street. It was the scene of an accident this past Friday in which a man was struck by a vehicle and was seriously injured while walking through the crossing.

Police Chief Jason Petersen told the council he’s met with Erin Reed of Dickinson County Trails regarding some possible options to improve safety at the crossing…

“So some of the options we discussed were actually moving the crossing to the west, closer to Exchange Street; trimming the trees back; adding signage that would warn people more ahead of time of the crossing.”

The chief adds this isn’t the first time he’s heard concerns about that crossing…

“Over the years I’ve had people say boy that’s a bad corner, or there was nearly an accident there. I’ve never seen one, we’ve never covered an accident there until just this last week.”

Petersen says as of right now there’s no timeframe as to when the safety improvements may be made. In the meantime he’s urging motorists and trail users to exercise extra caution in that area…

“For motorists I would say follow the posted 25 mph speed limit. Be aware of the crossing and pedestrians in the crosswalk. Motorists have to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk. And to people utilizing the trail, bicycles need to stop before they cross the road, and pedestrians, you know, look both ways before you cross the road.”

Petersen says they’ll also need to coordinate with a nearby property owner in that area depending upon which option is pursued.