Two new rural intersection conflict warning systems have been activated in Goodhue County, joining a system of six RICWS already operating in southeastern Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation activated the systems on Nov. 26 at Highway 56 and Goodhue County Road 9 at Wangs and Highway 19 and Goodhue County Road 7 at Vasa.

This past summer warning systems were activated in Olmsted County (2) and Rice County (1). Three other systems were already in operation in Rice County. Three additional systems are scheduled for next year: two in Winona County (Highway 43 and Winona County Road 21, and Highway 14 and Winona County Road 25) and another in Olmsted County (Highway 52 and Olmsted County Road 19).

RICWS is a statewide project that uses systems to address crashes at stop-controlled intersections by providing drivers (on both the major and minor roads) with a dynamic warning of other vehicles approaching the intersection.

“The goal of the RICWS is to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes at rural intersections,” said Nancy Klema, MnDOT traffic operations engineer in Rochester. “The systems use detection, signs and flashing lights to grab the driver’s attention and notify them of approaching traffic. It’s another way MnDOT is working to enhance the safety of an efficient and effective transportation system.”

Overall, MnDOT has 26 of 48 planned RICWS running statewide. MnDOT is also starting a new project to install an additional seven RICWS as part of a second phase in the program.

To learn more about RICWS and see a list of all the systems in use in Minnesota, go to MnDOT’s website at: www.dot.state.mn.us/trafficeng/signals/conflictwarning.html.