Traffic commission approves multiple all‑way stops, an interim signal and a speed‑limit reduction

The Traffic and Transportation Commission on Dec. 15 approved a set of traffic-control changes across the city, voting to ratify an emergency all‑way stop, add several permanent or interim all‑way stops and reduce a stretch of East Memorial Road from 55 mph to 45 mph.

Commissioners first approved the Oct. 20 meeting minutes and then ratified a consent‑docket item to affirm an emergency all‑way stop signed earlier by the city manager. When staff presented the monthly report, they said the jurisdiction’s unfunded signals list had been substantially reduced following passage of the 2025 general obligation bond and listed recent installations that included an alternative speed‑abatement feature on Northwest 19th Street.

On item 5a, resident Cynthia Cycle urged commissioners to install an all‑way stop at Frisco Road and West Reno Avenue, citing obstructed sight lines and a fatal crash Dec. 10. A traffic‑services staff member told the commission the intersection met warrants and recommended installing stop‑ahead signs, stop bars and lighting upgrades. Commissioner Collins moved to approve the request; the motion passed.

For item 5b, Cycle asked for interim all‑way stop control at South Cemetery Road and Southwest 15th Street, noting heavy school and bus activity near Mustang Trail Elementary and other nearby facilities. Staff said the intersection meets a couple of signal warrants and recommended interim all‑way stop control pending widening and signal installation under projects funded by the 2025 bond. Commissioner Karnes’ motion — which included staff recommendations about adding a turn lane when the bond projects proceed — passed.

At Camden Trails Drive and Southeast 79th Street (item 5c), Kenneth Jordan described high speeds and a drainage dip that has caused vehicles to lose control. Staff reported a maximum observed speed of 47 mph during a speed study and said volumes did not meet strict warrants for all‑way stop control, though the applicant supplied a neighborhood petition. Commissioner Hale moved to approve and the motion passed.

Item 5d (North Robinson Avenue and NW 11th Street) was continued at the applicant’s request to the Jan. 23 meeting; the commission voted to defer.

On item 5e, resident Dennis Teal asked that the two‑mile stretch of East Memorial Road between the I‑35 service road and North Midwest Boulevard be lowered from 55 mph to 45 mph because of curves, increased construction traffic and limited sight distance. Staff’s on‑site assessment found three intersections on the segment failing the decision‑sight‑distance criteria at the current limit; the speed study reported a 50th‑percentile speed of about 44 mph and an 85th‑percentile speed around 51 mph. Based on that evidence, staff recommended and the commission approved a 45 mph limit for the section.

Finally, at Brandon Place and NW 135th Street (item 5f), Stephanie Rowinski spoke for neighbor Sarah Abelhausen, detailing frequent cut‑through traffic, school‑bus activity and a petition signed by 86% of households in the petition area. Staff noted the intersection did not meet strict MUTCD volume or collision warrants but said the commission had discretion under the “other factors” provision; Commissioner George’s motion to approve carried.

Most items passed after brief discussion; where individual roll‑call votes were not read into the record, the transcript records the actions as approved. The commission closed with brief reports and adjourned.