Should Sauk Trail and Pfeiffer Road be a Four-Way Stop?

The intersection at Sauk Trail and Pfeiffer Road and its inherent dangers has become a familiar topic for Frankfort officials.

At a Village Board meeting earlier this month, trustee Kevin Egan talked about how he barely avoided an accident at the junction recently. And trustee Dick Trevarthan has brought it up on more than one occasion, wanting the two-way stop sign on Pfeiffer replaced with something that controls traffic in all directions.

Now the board could get the chance to approve such an action after Frankfort's Departmental Operations Committee recommended a four-way stop at the intersection, which would include flashing red lights on the signs. The item will be put on the agenda of an upcoming board meeting to be voted on.

READ: Where Are Frankfort's Most Dangerous Intersections?

"For some reason, those who are not familiar with the area just believe that the cars along Sauk Trail are going to stop," said Village Administrator Jerry Ducay. "Maybe it's because as they approach the railroad tracks from the west, cars slow down, so it gives the appearance that they're going to stop. ... Whatever is, it's a problem there. ... It's a weird intersection."

The increased traffic on both roads, especially Sauk Trail, is a contributing factor to the amount of accidents and near-misses at the intersection, Trevarthan said. But Frankfort Police Chief John Burica said there have 12 accidents in the past three years, which isn't a large amount. In fact, the addition of a four-way stop could cause more accidents because Sauk Trail is a major collector road, said Assistant Village Administrator Rob Piscia.

That, however, doesn't mean nothing needs to be done at the interchange, Ducay said.

"Ultimately, we can all agree that that intersection should be signalized," he said, adding that the cost to put in a traffic light--estimated around $300,000--is more than the village can afford.

"(The four-way stop) is something that will cause residents some degree of change and anxiety," Ducay said "But in the long run it will probably make the interchange much safer."

YOUR TURN: Do you think a four-way stop sign should be put in at the intersection of Sauk Trail and Pfeiffer Road? Take our poll and share your opinions in the comments section.