The Acton Select Board voted on Dec. 15 to establish stop‑sign control on River Street (westbound) at the intersection with Chadwick Street and authorized the Department of Public Works to install associated signage and pavement markings in conformance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

Evan White, the town engineer and assistant DPW director, explained the request following a recent conversion of a section of River Street to one‑way traffic. He said that change funneled more vehicles onto Chadwick and that the wider turning radius at the intersection allowed some drivers to turn without sufficient deceleration. White said consultants included a stop sign in the 75% design for a larger traffic‑calming package and recommended installing a stop sign at the westbound approach as a near‑term measure.

Neighbors spoke at the hearing with several describing frequent honking, confusion about existing markings, wrong‑way drivers and close calls involving school buses and driveways. Remote and in‑person commenters — including Kendra Wilson and Manish Kumar — urged a three‑way stop for greater clarity and safety. Several board members, while noting that the 75% design could later change the intersection, supported a single stop sign as a low‑cost interim measure; at least one member suggested adding a supplemental plate noting that oncoming traffic does not stop.

The board closed the hearing and adopted the motion to install the westbound stop sign at River Street at Chadwick and to authorize DPW to install signs and pavement markings per MUTCD guidance. Members asked staff to return with consultant findings about whether a third stop sign (to create a three‑way stop) should be added in the final 75% design.

What’s next: DPW will install the stop sign and associated pavement markings and will report back on consultant recommendations regarding additional signage or a three‑way stop as the 75% design is finalized.