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Commission approves removal of traffic signal at Lynnwood and Indiana as city begins signal-review program
Summary
The commission approved removing the traffic signal at Lynnwood Boulevard and Indiana Avenue and heard staff describe a citywide review to remove outdated or unwarranted signals.
The Traffic and Transportation Commission on July 21 approved a staff request to remove the traffic signal at Lynnwood Boulevard and Indiana Avenue and replace it with north–south stop control on Indiana Avenue.
Brandon Bundy, assistant public works director, told the commission the removal is linked to an upcoming street project that will require reconfiguring the intersection and that Lynnwood’s traffic volumes have declined since the construction of I‑40 rerouting and the Boulevard. "We feel that Lynnwood has a lot less traffic than it used to be," Bundy said.
Traffic Services Division staff presented a warrant analysis under MUTCD criteria and reported the intersection failed to meet any signal warrants and did not meet criteria for all‑way stop. Staff recommended north–south stop control on Indiana so Lynnwood Boulevard would retain right of way. Staff reported Lynnwood carries about 2,500 vehicles per day and Indiana about 1,900.
Commissioner Martinez moved approval of the removal; Commissioner Karnes seconded. The motion passed 7-0.
Staff described a preliminary, citywide review of older signals using a combination of departmental counts and third‑party data to identify candidates for removal. The department said it expects to evaluate locations one-by-one and does not anticipate removing more than about 10 signals in the near term; officials emphasized most candidates are older intersections in underutilized or redeveloping industrial areas. Staff also noted salvageable equipment may remain in cabinets but maintaining unwarranted signals adds operational and capital costs.
Planning staff said the Lynnwood work is part of a broader street enhancement project that includes resurfacing, sidewalks and bike lanes, and that planning and public works coordinate outreach on such projects. Several commissioners urged staff to ensure robust neighborhood and business canvassing before removal, noting some signals may have a history of citizen requests or local conditions not apparent in the warrant data. Staff said turn-restriction decisions and some outreach are handled administratively and offered to increase outreach and documentation for future removals.
The commission’s approval authorizes the traffic-control change; staff will schedule sign changes and follow project construction and outreach.
