Traffic board orders study of Quikashant–County intersection and will notify neighbors of possible one-way change

The Fall River City Traffic and Parking Board voted Monday to direct staff to perform a traffic study of the Quikashant–County Street area and to notify nearby residents before the item returns to the board.

Dr. Gloria Sadler, speaking for property owner Santita Castellano, asked the board to examine “near misses” where Quikashant meets County Street and to consider stop signs and a one-way reconfiguration to reduce hazards. She said residents and the owner of a small convenience store at the corner had reported frequent close calls during regular use of the intersection.

Stephanie McArthur, director of traffic and parking, said the department was willing to perform the requested study. “We’re willing to do a traffic study, but as far as collisions on County Street, there’s no way of accounting for near misses,” McArthur said, noting that formal crash records do not capture unreported near collisions.

Board members discussed two design options presented by speakers: adding stop signage at County and Quikashant to create a three-way stop, and making a longer stretch of Quikashant one-way from County toward Pleasant Street to reduce turning conflicts. The board did not choose a design at the meeting; members instead voted to have staff gather data, assess the feasibility and traffic impacts of stop-control and one-way options, and notify abutters to solicit comment.

The board approved the motion without recorded opposition and put the item on next month’s agenda so staff can present study results and public feedback.

The study will determine whether recorded collision data or observed traffic patterns support permanent changes such as stop controls or a one-way conversion.