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STOP SIGN REMOVAL <br /> <br />CHAPTER <br /> <br />17, <br /> ! <br /> <br /> tn many communities, stop signs are often <br /> installed in locations where they are not war- <br /> ranted. The MUTCD (Manual on Uniform <br /> Traffic Control Devices) has established <br /> specific warrants for such installations. How- <br /> ever, due to political or other reasons, unwar- <br /> ranted stop signs are still installed. The signs <br /> are often installed with the perception that <br /> speed and traffic volume will be reduced, <br /> safety will be enhanced, etc. After hn~stalla- <br /> tion, it is often found that the unwarranted <br /> signs are not solving the problems, and in <br /> some cases, have created new problems. The <br /> questions of then removing the unwarranted <br /> stop sign(s) becomes a new issue. <br /> <br />Removal of a stop sign can often be as sensi- <br />tive an issue as installing a new stop sign, <br />sometLmes even more so. Different percep- <br />tions and objectives often exist between in- <br />dividuals who reside by the street and the <br />motorists from outside the neighborhood <br />who drive the street on a regular basis. When <br />considering the removal of a stop sign, care- <br />ful consideration of MUTCD warrants, acci- <br />dent histories, and traffic counts and speeds <br />must be studied carefully, tn addition, the <br />general public and decision makers must be <br />educated as thoroughly as possible. <br /> <br /> Effects <br />Volumes. Little impact. <br /> <br />Neighborhood Traffic Control <br /> <br />January 1994 <br /> <br />Speed. Speed at or near intersections may <br />increase. However, mid-block areas will ex- <br />perience little impact. <br /> <br />Traffic Noise, Air Quality and Energy Con- <br />sumption. Usually improves. <br /> <br />Traffic Safety. Not clearly defined as to <br />whether or not safety will improve or worsen. <br />Each situation is unique. Typically, safety ira- <br /> in the long run when unwarranted <br />proves <br />signs are removed. <br /> <br />Community Reaction. Mixed. Differing <br />view points are often expressed between <br />citizens residing adjacent to the roadway and <br />motorists traveling on the roadway daily. <br />Removal of inplace stop signs is often very <br />difficult to accept for residents used to having <br />them there, even when the signs are unwar- <br />ranted. It is imperative that traffic engineers <br />and other decision makers determine the best <br />traffic control measures under specific ckr- <br />cumstances based on reasonable guidelines. <br /> <br />I7-1 <br /> <br /> <br />