Agenda - Council - 05/11/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASE REQUEST FOR STOP SIGN AT 171ST AND ZEOLITE STREET N.W. by: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer - Background: A stop sign has been requested to be placed stopping eastbound traffic on 171st Avenue N.W. at its intersection with Zeolite Street N.W. Zeolite Street N.W. is a through street at this location while 171st Avenue N.W. forms a tee at this intersection. It is my understanding that the request for this sign stems from the observation of a neighboring resident that traffic on I71 st Avenue N.W. does not slow sufficiently to safely negotiate the turn onto Zeolite Street N.W. The City's normal procedure for handling requests for such traffic signs is to have the request reviewed by the Public Works Supervisor and Police Chief. It was the opinion of both the Chief and the Public Works Supervisor that this is a low volume residential intersection with no unusual circumstances which would warrant 'a stop sign. Consequently, they recommended a denial of the sign request; Councilmember Hardin requested a review of this decision by City Council. Observation: A stop sign is one of our most valuable and effective traffic control devices when used at the fight place and under the right conditions. It is intended to help drivers in deciding who has the fight-of-way at an intersection. At fa'st glance, intersections that are uncontrolled may appear unreasonably dangerous. It may seem that the only fight-of-way law is based upon daring driving. However, uncontrolled residential street intersections have proven to be safe as long as volumes are low. It would seem that installing stop signs at an intersection would lessen accident potential; however, local drivers who are familiar with the slim possibility of meeting another vehicle on such an intersection frequently fail to actually stop. At the same time, motorists on the through streets usually pay less attention to traffic on the stop sign controlled intersecting street. When the less attentive motorist meets the stop-sign-ignofing driver, there is great potential for accidents. Experience among Municipal traffic officials shows greater safety at a low-volume, local s~eet intersection where there are no stop signs at ail and each driver is responsible for making a judgement as to the safety of operation. Recommendation: Based upon the above, it is Staffs opinion that the posting of a stop sign at the intersection of 171st Avenue N.W. and Zeolite Street N.W. may not have a positive impact on the intersection and, therefore, recommend that the Police Chief and Public Works Supervisor's denial be upheld. Council Action: Motion to deny/approve the installation of a stop sign, stopping traffic at 171st Avenue N.W. at its intersection with ZeoLite Street N.W. Reviewed by: City Engineer CC: 05/11/93 Copies also distributed to: City Administrator Police Ckief Public Works Supervisor