Committee approves conversion of Binmore–Panther intersection to four-way stop

The Monona Public Works Committee voted to recommend converting the Binmore–Panther intersection to a four-way stop, a move staff and public safety officials said will reduce driver uncertainty at an offset intersection with limited sight lines.

The recommendation followed a resident complaint and an earlier committee marking that sought to channel traffic through the intersection. Staff said Monona Police Department and the fire department support a four-way stop at this location because the offset alignment creates visibility problems for some approaches.

Staff described guidance from traffic-control practice for offset intersections and said the controlled stop would eliminate guesswork when drivers cannot see cross traffic. “Making it a 4 way stop controlled intersection makes it safer because all approaches have to stop,” staff said.

Committee members asked about public notification and installation procedures for a brand-new stop. Staff said the city maintains advance-warning signs and uses double orange flags at newly installed multiway stops; the city also plans a website notice and an email blast to notify the community.

The committee voted to forward the installation recommendation; staff will proceed with signage plans and advance warnings before permanent signs remain in place.