Taos council hears traffic study for Valverde Street; engineer recommends solar warning beacons, council presses for broader calming plan

The Town of Taos on Feb. 25 heard a traffic impact analysis for the Valverde Street and Town Hall Drive intersection that concluded the intersection operates at an acceptable level of service but could benefit from traffic-calming devices rather than new stop signs or a signal.

The study, presented by Joe Sanchez, principal engineer for WH Pacific, found the intersection currently “is not deficient” and that adding a three-way stop or traffic signal could increase crash risk given the street’s narrow cross-section and downhill grade. Sanchez recommended “advanced intersection signs that flash” and radar-speed beacons powered by solar to slow approaching vehicles.

Why it matters: Council members and residents described Valverde as a narrow, frequently used residential corridor that serves the library, Town Hall, Sunset Park and nearby schools and houses. Several council members pressed staff for measures focused on pedestrian safety along the full length of Valverde, not just at the studied intersection.

Sanchez said the analysis looked at peak-hour vehicular capacity and that “a three-way stop at this intersection will not impede traffic flow,” but that forcing through traffic to stop could increase the chance of sliding crashes in icy conditions near homes. He said signs with flashing yellow beacons or radar-activated speed feedback would “encourage people to slow down as they approach the intersection.”

Councilor Oswald said the written report appears to indicate the intersection “performs at acceptable levels” yet that residents want a three-way stop; she pressed Sanchez for clarification about whether the table on page 10 warrants stop control. Sanchez repeated that the intersection “functions very well as it is” and urged lower-cost calming measures instead of a stop sign or signal.

Several council members broadened the discussion to the entire corridor. Councilor Prentiss noted a perceived disconnect between the written warrant analysis and the engineer’s oral recommendations and urged measures that protect pedestrians. Councilor Ortega and Mayor Pro Tem Fambro emphasized the street’s multiple pedestrian destinations and asked staff to pursue near-term signage and enforcement while exploring a more comprehensive study for the whole street.

Assistant Town Manager Jeff Flores and Public Works Director Reynold Vasquez told council that low-cost signage and radar beacons have been priced at roughly $10,000–$12,000 per installation and that two units (one per approach) would likely be needed. Flores said staff can install signage in-house at relatively low cost and can look for grant funding such as Safe Streets for All. Vasquez cautioned that speed humps or rumble strips can affect emergency response and advised the council to weigh that with public safety goals.

Council direction and next steps: Council asked staff to (1) pursue lower-cost, rapid implementations such as advanced-warning flashing signs and radar beacons, (2) investigate grant opportunities and whether Safe Streets for All funding could apply, (3) consider targeted enforcement and mobile speed cameras for the corridor, and (4) return with options and cost estimates for a more comprehensive corridor study covering multiple intersections on Valverde.

Residents raised safety concerns during public comment earlier in the agenda about other neighborhood issues, which councilors referenced during the Valverde discussion as part of the broader community safety context.

The council did not take a formal vote on installing signs or changing the intersection control; staff were directed to bring back proposals and potential funding sources during upcoming budget discussions and grant cycles.