Police commission approves stop sign and flashing warning for White Oak Shade intersection

The New Canaan Police Commission on Sept. 17 approved installing a stop sign on the southbound approach to White Oak Shade at the intersection with Verdi's Road and adding radar-activated and advance-variable-message warnings. The commission voted to move forward after staff described recent crashes and engineering factors supporting stop control.

The action followed a staff presentation citing the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and five warrant categories used to evaluate all-way stop installation. "We at that intersect, at that location, we just put in a radar activated stop sign," said Clint, a staff member, describing the proposed equipment. He and other staff also recommended advance signage and a variable message sign and said the department would give warnings during the first month after installation.

Commissioners said the recent accident history at the location and a left-turn conflict on the uncontrolled southbound approach supported the step. Staff noted existing northbound flashing signage and said an additional standard stop sign and a "stop ahead" sign could be placed on the southbound approach; a variable message sign would provide extra notice while drivers adapt.

The motion to install the stop sign and related warning signs passed with commissioners voting in favor; mover and seconder were not stated on the record. The commission directed staff to order the signs, install temporary monitoring and warnings for the initial period, and follow up on sight-line and signage placement.

The transcript record shows the agenda item was announced at the start of the meeting with slightly different wording; the staff discussion identifies the intersection as White Oak Shade and Verdi's Road. The commission referenced MUTCD warrants and engineering judgment as the basis for the installation decision. The timetable for installation was not specified.