TSC reviews recent traffic studies on Manning, Powers and Best roads; no immediate stop‑sign changes

The Transportation Safety Committee reviewed traffic counts and speed data for three neighborhood locations and concluded the observed volumes and speeds did not meet warrants for immediate stop‑sign installations under the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Technical adviser Bob Wilson reported Manning Street (near Powers Street) had an average daily traffic (ADT) near 1,658 vehicles — about two‑thirds northbound and one‑third southbound in the most recent counts — with a peak‑hour total of roughly 216 vehicles and an 85th‑percentile speed around 30 mph. Wilson noted a 2021 count in the same area had slightly higher volumes and a slightly lower 85th‑percentile speed (about 28 mph). From a volume and speed standpoint the site did not meet MUTCD stop‑sign warrants.

Powers Street itself showed about 803 vehicles per day in the counts presented and similar 85th‑percentile speeds to Manning.

At Best Road near Na Doon Road the counts were much lower — an ADT around 157 vehicles per day with peak hour volumes near 33 vehicles and 85th‑percentile speeds of 22–23 mph. Staff observed isolated short bursts of higher volume on some days that they attributed to temporary diversion from nearby projects on Great Plain Avenue; the committee agreed outlier 15‑minute bursts do not justify permanent changes.

Committee members asked staff to add pedestrian counts at Manning Street — specifically during school hours — before a firm recommendation is made about a stop sign. Members also reiterated that stop signs are intended to assign right of way, not primarily to slow traffic, and that the MUTCD guidance and local practice guide decisions on sign placement.

Ending: Staff will return with Manning pedestrian counts and a final recommendation if counts show the additional warrant for a remedy.