Traffic study finds no warrant for signal or four-way stop at Sterling Lakes intersection; council to work with HOA on pedestrian measures

City engineers told the council on Oct. 5 that a recent evaluation of the intersection at Sterling Lakes Drive and New Brainerd Road does not support installation of a traffic signal, four-way stop or roundabout, and that some such changes could increase the accident risk or require substantial private property and roadway footprint. The city recommended working with the Sterling Lakes Homeowners Association (HOA) to improve pedestrian access and visibility as an alternative.

Tom Sheehy, the city—s engineer, presented the study and said the intersection currently has a very low accident rate. His team reviewed alternatives including retaining the existing configuration, converting it to a four-way stop, adding a signal, or building a roundabout. The engineer reported that a four-way stop or a new signal would likely increase rear-end and other collisions and that a roundabout would require a large footprint and landscaping changes that could affect private property.

City staff said the state—s signal "warrant" criteria were not met, meaning the intersection does not qualify under the formal state formula for a traffic signal at this time. Instead, the presentation and subsequent discussion focused on pedestrian-safety measures: extending the pedestrian route to a marked crosswalk, adding advanced warning devices or higher-visibility ground-level flashing fixtures, and coordinating with the HOA on internal sidewalks and the public approach to the intersection.

Representatives of the Sterling Lakes community attended the meeting and urged action. Cheryl Stern, who identified herself as a member of the Sterling Lakes HOA main board, told the council the board had not received the city's report in time for its meeting and that residents feel the intersection is dangerous. Retired civil engineer Andrew Kartalis — who helped review the community—s earlier 2016 study — told councilors he disagreed with the city consultant—s "do nothing" recommendation and said the 2016 study had identified high speeds and recommended a roundabout; he urged consideration of expenditures for improvement.

Council members said they do not want a fix that increases crashes. Staff and council agreed to continue working with the HOA to pursue pedestrian-access improvements (crosswalk, improved sidewalks and targeted warning devices) and to re-evaluate traffic counts later in the spring if conditions or volumes change.

Ending: City staff will coordinate with the Sterling Lakes HOA on pedestrian-access options and return to council if subsequent counts or community input warrant further action.