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Committee approves median visibility and reflective treatments after stop signs knocked over at Merced and Willow
Summary
The Traffic Committee approved measures including bounce‑back sign posts, reflective markers and refreshed pavement markings after repeated collisions knocked over center median stop signs at Merced Avenue and Willow Avenue; staff will explore overhead flashing beacons as a potential Phase 2 option.
The West Covina Traffic Committee on Sept. 17 approved a set of treatments intended to reduce incidents of center‑median stop signs being struck and knocked over at Merced Avenue and South Willow Avenue.
TransTech Engineers reported the Merced approach carries a posted speed of 40 mph and Willow is 25 mph. The consultant identified four collisions in recent years on the island‑style median, including two collisions in 2024 involving striking an object. TransTech recommended replacing faded stop signs and plaques with breakaway/bounce‑back posts, adding MUTCD‑compliant "All Way" plaques, installing object markers and red reflective post sleeves on medians, repainting median and centerline pavement markings with retroreflective yellow, and refreshing stop bars and red curb approaches.
Committee members pressed for longer‑term remedies because crews replace the center median stop sign frequently. A maintenance member suggested overhead flashing beacons could prevent vehicle strikes but noted substantial costs and pole requirements; the committee asked staff to study overhead beacon feasibility, provide cost information and bring a Phase 2 proposal back for consideration. Staff also suggested larger‑scale median reconstruction tied to a future pavement rehabilitation project as another Phase 2 option.
The committee approved the Phase 1 package as amended and instructed staff to return with feasibility and cost information for overhead flashing beacons and opportunities to redesign the median at the next paving project. The vote was 4‑0.
No members of the public spoke on this item at the meeting.
