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Lewiston council delays recently approved 4-way stop signs after farmers and residents raise concerns
Summary
After several residents — including local farmers — raised safety, visibility and economic concerns about newly installed 4-way stops on 1600 South and nearby intersections, the Lewiston City Council voted unanimously to pause implementation and request formal intersection studies and sheriff's traffic review.
The Lewiston City Council voted Feb. 17 to delay implementation of recently approved 4-way stop signs at several intersections — including 1600 South and nearby crossings — after extended public comment from residents and farmers who said the changes were rushed and inadequately studied.
Kimber Hall, a longtime Lewiston resident, told the council she was "very surprised that we put 4 way stops in there" and questioned whether legal and municipal standards had been followed before installing the signs. Farmers who rely on the route described heavy equipment and loaded trucks that must repeatedly stop, which they said increases wear on vehicles and raises safety concerns for agricultural traffic.
Supporters of the signs cited safety and past crashes. A city resident and driver noted one historic fatality at the Main Street/16th intersection and others pointed to sheriff's office guidance: "the sheriff's office recommended an East West stop sign for 4 way stop," a resident recalled, summarizing the office's earlier recommendation.
After discussing visibility issues (including a nearby fence that limits sight lines), enforcement limits for local policing, and whether additional traffic counts and accident-severity thresholds had been met, Council member (S4) moved to rescind or temporarily hold the previously passed stop sign placements and direct staff to study both the 800/1600 West and 1600 South/Main Street intersections. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.
Council members said the next steps will include a more formal traffic evaluation, consultation with the Cache County Sheriff's Office for directed enforcement or patrol data, and possible repositioning of signs or additional traffic-calming alternatives based on findings. The council did not immediately reinstate or permanently remove any signs; rather it directed staff to gather data and return with recommendations.
The council's action followed roughly an hour of public comment and back-and-forth among council members about the balance between farm commerce, resident safety and enforceability of speed limits on the town's outer roads. The item will return for further consideration after staff and the sheriff's office complete the requested review.
