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Council discusses traffic signals, no‑left‑turn options and stop signs after accident data shows local trouble spots
Summary
Council requested staff to gather data on several intersections including South Lewis and 20 Arpitt, to seek grant funding and to consider a traffic engineer study and interim measures such as no‑left‑turn fixtures or plastic channelizers to reduce left‑turn crashes.
Council members discussed recurring crashes and sightline problems at the South Lewis Street and 20 Arpitt Road intersection and asked staff to compile a list of intersections for a broader study and potential grant applications. Councilor David Merrill introduced the item citing constituent requests and a report from Captain Leland that showed roughly 10 crashes at the intersection between 2022 and 2025.
Why it matters: council members said expected residential growth across the bayou and increasing traffic volumes heighten the need to address several intersections, not just the one spot. The discussion prioritized a coordinated study that would allow the city to apply for grants or engineer‑level recommendations rather than pursuing ad‑hoc fixes at a single site.
What staff and council proposed • Data collection and scope: council asked staff to collect crash and traffic‑count data on multiple intersections (examples cited: Lewis & 20 Arpitt, Darby Lane at Jane Street/LA‑182, Louisville Road & Lewis) to present consolidated options and costs. • Engineer study: council suggested hiring a traffic engineer (council referenced a prior consultant, Dean Teagle) to evaluate feasibility, recommend options and provide cost estimates for several intersections so the city can prepare grant applications. • Short‑term measures: council discussed interim, low‑cost measures including “no‑left‑turn” channelizers (plastic lane separators), stop‑sign changes and targeted enforcement by police. Council members noted compliance with signs often requires enforcement to be effective. • Equity across town: the mayor asked that staff include multiple problem intersections in any study so the city does not single out one neighborhood while neglecting others.
Next steps Council asked staff and the mayor’s office to coordinate with Parks/Engineering and the police chief to assemble a list of priority intersections, obtain estimates from a traffic engineer, and explore grant opportunities. Council members emphasized returning with unified cost and feasibility information so the council can make a cohesive funding decision.
