Commission approves neighborhood stop controls after residents cite speeding near schools

The Traffic and Transportation Commission voted unanimously to install all‑way stop control at two residential intersections after residents described persistent speeding and visibility issues.

William (Bill) Warner, a resident at 3601 Northwest 43rd Street, told the commission he and neighbors regularly watch drivers “zooming by” to avoid nearby traffic signals and asked the commission to “have, always stop sign at 43rd and, Saint Clair.” Warner said he had observed vehicles pass school buses while a blinking signal was active and questioned a June speed report that recorded a top speed of 37 mph at the location.

Traffic Services staff responded that the department uses a radar‑based counter sold under the label BlackCat for volume and speed studies and reported that NW 43rd carries just under 1,000 vehicles per day while St. Clair carries just under 200 per day. Staff said the site did not meet MUTCD all‑way‑stop warrants based on the data but noted neighbors had requested stop control and that action was discretionary for the commission.

Commission discussion focused on alternate calming options. One commissioner suggested a mini‑roundabout could be a better long‑term solution, while staff said that option typically falls under the ASAP speed‑abatement program (a cost‑share program that requires neighborhood organization or petitioning residents). Staff also said speed‑cushions or driver feedback signs are options the neighborhood could pursue later; the commission approved item 5B (stop control at NW 43rd & St. Clair) by voice vote, with all seven commissioners in favor.

At the next item, Cynthia Cycle (13233 Southwest 9th Street) represented neighbors near the SW 119th and Chekaw intersection and described blind spots, increased cut‑through traffic to Highway 4, and school‑bus activity that made the intersection “scary, it's dangerous, and stressful.” Staff said MUTCD warrants were not met, highlighted a seasonal sight‑distance issue from overgrowth on the south approach, and reported they had ordered CK Energy to install a streetlight at the corner to improve visibility. Despite the staff analysis, the commission voted 7–0 to approve the requested all‑way stop control (Item 5C).

The commission and staff repeatedly distinguished discussion items from formal action: staff reiterated that the MUTCD analysis did not require stop control but that the commission, exercising its discretion, could adopt the changes requested by residents. Both approved items were described as traffic‑control changes, not policy or funding commitments beyond standard implementation and sign installation.

The commission concluded both items by directing staff to implement the sign changes and noting neighborhoods could pursue additional speed‑abatement measures under the ASAP program if they wished.