Needles council adopts pilot signage plan for off-highway motor vehicle routes

The Needles City Council adopted Resolution 2026-2 to approve a pilot signage plan for five designated off-highway motor vehicle routes and two staging areas. Staff presented engineering plans identifying sign locations, staging areas and connections to existing BLM trails; the plan was prepared with attention to the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and in coordination with CHP and the sheriff’s office.

Traffic engineering staff said the pilot includes 13 single signs, 69 double-tandem signs and additional triple and quad tandems, and that some revisions were made to economize the number of signs while remaining compliant with state law. Council members raised safety concerns specifically for the Lily Hill/Parkway area, asking about posted speed limits, warrants for stop signs and the possibility of traffic-calming measures. The traffic engineer explained that posted prima-facia speed limits come from prior engineering surveys and that any change to posted limits or installation of speed humps or stop signs requires additional engineering or resident concurrence.

Staff emphasized the current item adopted signage only and does not immediately implement the entire program; the city will pursue a community workshop, coordinate with the sheriff for enforcement, and review the pilot after a period (staff suggested about six months). The council approved the resolution by roll call.

The council directed staff to develop an implementation schedule, seek quotes where applicable, and conduct the planned community workshop and ribbon-cutting for the pilot. Council members asked staff to continue to study safety concerns for specific segments and to return with proposals if engineering warrants additional traffic controls.