By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
The intersection at 10th Street and Harrison Street in Great Bend is a unique crossing with the railroad tracks angling through and one of the most known fast-food restaurants located on the southwest corner.
For years, the City of Great Bend has encountered problems with westbound traffic on 10th Street wanting to turn into McDonald’s. While it is legal to turn into McDonald’s coming from the west, it is not legal to cross into the opposite side’s turning lane to enter.
City Administrator Kendal Francis says the city wants to get the word out for what is legal and what is not, but they have also asked the assistance of the Kansas Department of Transportation for better street markings.
"We are looking for better marking of those lanes," said Francis. "If it continues to be an issue, we will have to look into being punitive and police are going to ticket for that offense."
To avoid clogging up traffic right off the intersection, westbound motorists on 10th Street will sometimes cross the double yellow lines into the other side’s turning lane that was designed for eastbound traffic to turn north onto Harrison.
City engineers suggested mounting flexible delineators on the dividing line that would essentially serve as flags, keeping westbound traffic from illegally crossing into the eastbound turning lane. Francis says there could be a problem with the mounted delineators during snow removal.
Great Bend City Councilmember Dana Dawson threw out the idea of a sign to inform motorists to use Harrison Street to enter McDonald’s.
"I would not be opposed to putting up a sign that says 'use Harrison Street entrance for McDonald's,'" said Dawson. "You see it in bigger cities. If you could even get half the people using the Harrison entrance that would be a huge help."
Francis noted KDOT planned on coming to Great Bend later this week to survey the issue and make recommendations. There is a question on who would be responsible for signing or road changes since 10th Street is a state highway but the intersection falls within city limits.