Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Traffic Signal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board to flash Fifth Avenue–Main Street signal and study volumes before possible removal
Summary
The Board approved a public-notice step to set the Fifth Avenue–Main Street signal to flashing red for study, followed by a 90-day observation period; if volumes and crashes remain low, staff will recommend physical removal of the signal equipment.
The Board of Public Works on June 23 approved a notice to begin a study of the traffic signal at Fifth Avenue and Main Street that will set the signal to flashing red (all-way stop) for a trial period and continue volume and crash monitoring. If the 90-day observation period shows no significant increase in crashes or traffic problems, city staff said they will proceed to physically remove the signal equipment.
Staff said the initial warrant analysis found the intersection does not meet the minimum MUTCD warrants for a signal based on volumes and five-year crash data. Director Gallagher noted the process is prescribed by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and adopted at the state level, meaning the warrant analysis and the flash-and-study sequence are standard engineering practice. "Those aren't things that we arbitrarily prescribe," Gallagher said, referring to the warrant analyses.
Because the existing poles also carry street lighting, staff said they would not remove poles even if the signal equipment is removed. The process also requires reporting back to the City Council and an ordinance change to remove the intersection from the city's official signal list if staff recommend permanent removal.
The board voted to approve the notice and proceed with the study; staff will return with observations after the flash period and the 90-day study window.
