Board approves stop sign at new intersection of 20 First Street and Washington Avenue

The Marshfield Board of Public Works voted on May 20, 2025, to install a stop sign at the intersection of 20 First Street and Washington Avenue that will require drivers on 20 First Street to stop for Washington Avenue, and to amend the administrative traffic and parking code to reflect the change.

Josh presented the request, explaining that the new Green Acres subdivision created the intersection and that 20 First Street is classified as a low-volume residential street while Washington Avenue is a minor arterial. He told the board that both streets have 25 mph speed limits and that there is no crash history because the intersection is new; the recommendation formalizes placing a stop sign and updating the traffic code.

The board moved and seconded the recommendation and voted to approve it. The transcript records a verbal "aye" and "motion carries;" no roll-call vote was recorded in the transcript.

During general items, a board member raised a related concern about communications when construction or closures affect emergency routes. That board member said he had received a complaint that the fire department was not looped in on some construction and asked staff to ensure appropriate notifications. Staff replied, "We've already taken a few steps, with some of our evolved internal processes to make sure communications better handled." The board indicated they would consider a policy item in a future agenda to formalize notifications.