County approves southbound stop sign on Bray Road near Missouri Department of Conservation site

St. Francois County commissioners voted to place a southbound stop sign, equipped with a red flasher, at the top of the hill on Bray Road where the Missouri Department of Conservation will store construction equipment.

A county official described safety concerns because Conservation plans to congregate large trailers and construction vehicles at the site. The official said some trailers can be 70 feet and that drivers often cannot see over the hill until they are nearly at the top. “When you're coming in a car … you get to almost the top of this hill before you can see down this hill,” the official said, noting stopping distances increase substantially with higher speeds.

Commissioners discussed signage options, including a “hidden driveway” warning and a temporary flashing light to alert drivers while the change is new. One commissioner proposed a southbound stop at the top of the hill and asked for a red flasher; the motion was seconded and commissioners voted in favor.

Jason Scribe, identified in the meeting as a representative of the Missouri Department of Conservation, was thanked by commissioners after the vote. Officials said the county normally posts advance warning signs and planned to leave the flasher active for a period to help drivers adjust.

Commissioners described the measure as preemptive public‑safety action intended to reduce the risk of collisions between fast traffic coming over the hill and slow‑moving, large trailers exiting the Conservation site. The county record shows the item was debated during the regular meeting and a motion to approve the sign for southbound traffic only was carried.