The Hurricane City Council meeting on August 21, 2025, focused on public safety concerns regarding traffic flow at the intersection of 100 North and Main Street. The discussion was initiated by resident Dan Zaleski, who expressed frustration over the recent removal of stop signs at this intersection, which he argued has led to increased speeding and safety risks for pedestrians, particularly children.
Zaleski highlighted that the absence of stop signs has transformed 100 North into a thoroughfare, exacerbating traffic issues in the area. He presented a petition signed by 17 residents advocating for the reinstallation of the stop signs, emphasizing the intersection's importance for both residential and commercial traffic. He noted that the previous stop signs had effectively regulated vehicular movement and reduced accidents.
Luke, another resident, supported Zaleski's concerns, sharing personal experiences of near-misses due to the lack of signage and increased traffic. He argued that the current traffic patterns could negatively impact local businesses by diverting traffic away from State Street, where many small businesses are located.
City officials responded by explaining that a traffic analysis had been conducted prior to the changes, which indicated that east-west traffic at the intersection warranted prioritization over north-south movement. They acknowledged ongoing construction in the area, which may have contributed to the current confusion regarding traffic flow and signage.
Council members noted that the construction is not yet complete, and further traffic studies will be conducted once the project is finalized to assess the effectiveness of the new traffic patterns. The council did not make any immediate decisions regarding the reinstallation of stop signs but indicated that they would monitor the situation closely.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the issue after the construction is completed, ensuring that community safety remains a priority as traffic patterns evolve.