South Discovery/Jacob Miller Intersection Improved
Monte Reinders, P.E.
County Engineer/ Roads & Fleet Manager
Jefferson County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2026
Jefferson County Public Works has recently upgraded the intersection of South Discovery Road and South Jacob Miller Road from a 2-way stop-controlled intersection to a 4-way stop-controlled intersection.
For many years, this intersection had raised concerns from drivers due to its highly skewed alignment and vertical profile that led to odd driver behavior on Jacob Miller Road, including mis-alignment of their vehicles with the intersection to better see oncoming South Discovery Road traffic. The documented accident rate at the intersection has ranged from zero to five accidents per year. Traffic volumes at the intersection are moderate with a combined daily trip count for all 4 legs of approximately 6,500 and a peak hourly trip count of approximately 550 for all 4 legs. While the intersection does not meet standard Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) volume or crash warrants for All-Way Stop Control (AWSC), recurring complaints regarding its unusual alignment and erratic driver behavior prompted Public Works to respond. Consequently, the department commissioned an intersection study with Transportation Solutions Inc. (TSI), a highly regarded traffic engineering firm. The study determined that an upgrade to AWSC was predicted to lower the crash rate and would be an appropriate interim step. In the future, TSI recommended that a compact roundabout be considered if funding can be secured. This study was subsequently peer-reviewed by SCJ Alliance, which concurred with TSI’s findings.
Given the highly skewed nature of the intersection, the change required construction of two right-turn lanes to accommodate certain traffic movements. In addition, tree removal and re-grading were completed to improve sight distance.
Jefferson County crews scheduled the work for September of 2026 after the annual chip seal program was complete and during the month that the County was renting a paving machine for other road repairs throughout the County. The work included tree/brush removal and re-grading for sight distance improvement; preparing and paving two separate right turn lanes; installing new MUTCD approved signage including stop signs with LED flashing lights for better visibility as well as stop-ahead signage; installation of realigned striping and torch-down pavement markings; and replacement of the existing amber lenses on the overhead beacon with red lenses. In addition, temporary advance digital message boards and temporary traffic revision signage were installed to provide for driver awareness of the intersection change.
As a final step, there was coordination with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced enforcement during the first few days after the change.
Public response to the change has been overwhelmingly positive.
Picture 1: Rendering of the updated intersection with 4-way stop control.
Picture 2: Preparing new right turn lane for paving. Jefferson County Roads Crew, September 2026.
Picture 3: Jefferson County crew paving a new right hand turn lane.
Picture 4: Jefferson County crews install torch down pavement markings.
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Jefferson County
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