Walworth County weighing 4‑way stop at Town Line Road and Highway ES; East Troy expresses general support

Walworth County is investigating safety measures at the intersection of Town Line Road and Highway ES and has asked the Village of East Troy for accident reports as it considers converting the intersection to a 4‑way stop, village staff said.

Jason, identified in the meeting exchange as "chief," told the board that county public works director Richhoff contacted the village seeking support and awareness as the county studies the intersection. Jason said the county asked the village to provide recent crash data and that the county's likely approach would be to use stop signs rather than a traffic signal, with temporary measures such as portable message boards and orange flags to warn motorists in advance.

Jeremy, a village staff member who reviewed reports, said the county requested the last five years of accident reports and that when he looked through them he saw “quite a few” crashes, many attributable to driver error rather than failure to stop. He also noted an existing plaque on the sign reading "cross traffic doesn't stop."

A parent who spoke during the discussion said a stop sign would make more sense than a stoplight and highlighted safety concerns for children walking near the intersection and for drivers adjusting from 45 mph to 35 mph approaching the location.

Jason said the county told him it was not looking for ongoing maintenance funding from the village as part of the initial review, but that if the village requested a specific improvement — for example, a flashing sign — the county might ask the village to agree to maintenance or upfront costs. No formal motion was made; Jason said he would convey the board’s general support back to the county and follow up if further discussion is required.

Next steps: County review continues; village staff will share board comments and ask the county to consider a flashing sign as a mitigation option.