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CASE #2 REQUEST FOR STOP SIGNS AT 144TH LANE AND TUNGSTEN WAY By: Steven J. Jankowski, City Engineer Background: On November 4, 1998, the City received a letter from Shelly Peterson of 6140 - 144th Lane NW, requesting that stop signs be installed at the intersection of 144th Lane and Tungsten Way. Her letter is attached to this case. In accordance with the policy for processing such requests, the staff traffic review committee consisting of the Police Chief, the Director of Public Works, and the City Engineer, met to review the intersection on Friday, November 13, 1998. Attached is a report on the conditions observed and the accident history background and the staff's preliminary recommendation. Site Distance: The intersection was viewed for site distance from all four approaches. Although Tungsten Street has a moderate downward grade proceeding to the north, it was observed that the limiting factor for sight distances are the homes on all four comers of the intersection. This leads to the conclusion that the sight distances are no poorer at this intersection than any randomly chosen intersection in the sewer and water district which have similar structure setbacks. Accident History:. A review of the accident history for the five year period, including 1993 through 1997, shows one accident at this intersection which occured in 1995. Traffic Counts: One function of a Stop Sign is to assign fight-of-way to main street over lesser traveled streets. The petitioners letter points out that the primary road is not clear. There are no traffic counts available for this intersection. Therefore, the traffic differential between roads, if any, is unknown. Traffic was observed to be very light during the period of sight distance observation; however, a more substantial traffic volume is anticipated during the afternoon to early evening hours. It may be helpful to schedule a peak hour traffic count at this intersection. Speed Assessment: The petitioner's letter references high speed through the intersection. Time did not permit speed study of the area; however, such a study could be helpful to determine its priority for police surveillance of the street. However, stop signs have been shown to be ineffective for speed control except for a distance of between 100 to 200 feet from the intersection. Recommendations: Based upon sight distance consideration and accident history, a stop sign is not recommended at this intersection. A traffic count study might lead to a different conclusion and should be ordered by the Committee. Committee Action: Order a peak hour traffic study of the intersection. Reviewed by: City Administrator Director of Public Works Police Chief RB: 11/17/98