Committees back no‑turn‑on‑red sign at High Road and Century Avenue as quick safety step

Staff told the committees a resident requested a no‑turn‑on‑red sign at the High Road and Century Avenue intersection and that Police and Public Works reviewed the location. Ben (staff) said the intersection meets several MUTCD criteria or recommendations for such a device and that installing a sign would be a low‑cost, near‑term safety measure while larger upgrades are planned.

Alder Oliver Myers noted that upgrading all four signals to include a leading pedestrian interval (LPI) would improve pedestrian safety but that the estimated cost was "north of $60,000." He said such an upgrade would be appropriate when grant funding or a larger reconstruction project allows it. Residents and committee members debated whether a general no‑turn‑on‑red sign or a narrower "no turn on red when children are present" message would be preferable; staff said both are options and the police department had recommended the version they can reliably enforce.

Charles moved that the committees recommend to the License & Ordinance committee that an ordinance or resolution be prepared to add a no‑turn‑on‑red sign (or the specified alternative) at High Road and Century Avenue, following police and public works recommendations. The Public Works committee approved the motion by voice vote. The Ped, Bike & Transit committee then made a parallel motion (moved by Kirsten), seconded and approved by voice vote on that committee's side.

Outcome: Both committees forwarded a recommendation to the License & Ordinance committee and to the Common Council to pursue installation or an ordinance change for a no‑turn‑on‑red sign at that intersection.