The Traffic Safety and Signage Committee voted Jan. 6 to pursue installation of a three-way stop at the intersection of Morning Star and Rainbow Road after neighborhood traffic counts and public comment indicated regular pedestrian use.

A Cornerstone Ridge resident told the committee the neighborhood — roughly 400 homes and about 1,000 residents — reported about 48 people who cross the intersection daily and another 14 who said they would cross if a crosswalk were installed. "We have about 48 that cross this intersection on a daily basis, and another 14 said they would cross if we had some kind of crosswalk in place," the resident said.

Committee members discussed alternatives including crosswalks with a rectangluar rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) or a HAWK signal and cited MUTCD guidance on when those devices are warranted. Traffic counts presented at the meeting included vehicle volumes and an observed top speed of 71 mph during short sampling; staff characterized the counts as vehicle counts rather than pedestrian-only counts.

The committee framed a three-way stop as a lower-cost, near-term measure that could slow traffic while longer-term sidewalk and crosswalk improvements are scheduled or provided by nearby development. A committee member moved "to put a 3 way stop there with the transportation department streets looking at funding for it and any improvements that may be needed," and the motion was approved by voice vote.

Staff said a preliminary plat is under construction at the southwest corner of the intersection and that sidewalk installation on the south side may be completed as part of that development; committee members noted any new sidewalks would affect where crosswalks and other improvements should be installed.

Next steps: transportation staff will evaluate funding and specific improvements, coordinate with developers working in the area, and report back to the committee.