Commissioners keep Prairie Lee 'always stop' signs after debate over traffic studies

Andrew McLeish, a Prairie Lee resident, urged the Caldwell County Commissioners Court to remove several "always stop" signs in his community, saying two traffic safety studies — including one completed in 2022 and a second study presented to the court — found vehicle volumes well below Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) criteria. "Both studies clearly indicate that these thresholds are not met," McLeish said, adding that study counts were "below 100 vehicles per hour, significantly short of the 300 needed to justify the installation of always stop signs according to the MUTCD."

Commissioner Horn responded that many residents favor the signs as a traffic-calming measure and that state transportation code does not require counties to perform a warrant study before placing stop signs at corners. "I like the stop signs," Horn said, adding that even if drivers do not always stop, the signs slow traffic and that previous public hearings and studies mean the current placement is legal.

Horn moved to retain the existing stop signs in Prairie Lee. Commissioner Theriault seconded the motion, and the court approved it by voice vote. The motion followed public comment and internal staff references to prior studies conducted by American Structurepoint and earlier court actions dating to 2022.

The court did not adopt a new, countywide traffic study; Horn said a new study would require covering the entire town and noted the county had invested in prior analyses. The court’s action preserves the status quo: the signs will remain in place while enforcement and any future study decisions are left to county staff and commissioners.

What happens next: The court approved the motion by voice vote during the Nov. 26 meeting; no further hearings or formal deadlines on this item were announced during the session.