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Council adopts stop‑sign ordinance after fire chief raises access concerns for Jefferson and Main
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance adding stop signs at several intersections after a discussion led by the fire chief and council members about sight lines, grade and potential shifts in truck and emergency traffic patterns.
The Washington City Council on July 21 adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 335 Schedule 2 of the municipal code to add stop signs at several intersections, with particular discussion about making Jefferson and Main a four-way stop.
Members of the traffic committee and Fire Chief Tim (identified in the meeting by first name) described concerns about the Jefferson and Main intersection. The chief said Jefferson has an almost 12% grade approaching Main, which could complicate large‑truck and fire apparatus maneuvering if drivers must come to a complete stop. He said making Jefferson and Main a four‑way stop might divert truck and trailer traffic to Market Street — which has a shallower grade — and could impede emergency response on Jefferson. The chief also said pedestrian injury incidents historically occurred most often between Fourth and Fifth on Jefferson, not on the north side near Main.
Council members said they received petitions and had discussed the issue in traffic-committee meetings; they agreed to prioritize Jefferson and Main if any amendments were made. No motion to amend the ordinance was offered during the meeting; the council then voted aye to pass the ordinance as presented. The transcript recorded a unanimous aye vote and the ordinance was declared passed.
Staff and the traffic committee will handle implementation of the new signs under the city’s traffic-control procedures.
