Commission denies stop-sign request at Fairview & Fremont, directs administrative fixes

The Traffic Commission on Nov. 11 denied a resident request to install an 'always stop' at Fairview Avenue at Fremont Street and directed staff to pursue administrative safety measures including daylighting, additional signage and 'do not enter' signs to address wrong-way driving.

Ben Hogan, public works engineer, told the commission that while the northbound sight distance appeared adequate, parked vehicles on the northwest corner limited sight lines for the southbound approach. "We found that sight distance for the northbound approach was adequate... for the southbound approach... vehicles are currently parking directly up to the crosswalk, approximately 2 spaces," he said. Hogan summarized crash history: three relevant crashes in the past 12 months (below the 12-month warrant) and five in 36 months (which meets the 36-month threshold for considering an always-stop), but recommended denying an always-stop and instead using daylighting, flex posts, signage and possible neighborhood slow zone measures.

A nearby property owner who has experienced two collisions at the house, Awilda Valencia, thanked staff for follow-up and said the wrong-way driving she recorded happens daily. "This is an occurrence that happens daily," Valencia said, asking staff to consider measures that address wrong-way movements.

Outcome: The commission moved to deny the stop-sign request (agenda item 31-2025) and approved staff taking administrative steps to improve visibility and add signage. Staff said it will return with implementation details if necessary.