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Commission opts for warning plaques, not a new 4‑way stop, at 8th Avenue and Cedar Street
Summary
After a warrant analysis covering volumes, sight lines and crash history, the traffic commission declined to recommend converting the 2‑way stop to a permanent 4‑way stop at 8th and Cedar; it directed staff to install MUTCD 'cross traffic does not stop' plaques and increase attention during school pick‑up periods.
The West Bend City Traffic Safety Commission decided against converting 8th Avenue and Cedar Street to a permanent four‑way stop after a consultant’s warrant analysis found the intersection did not meet MUTCD criteria for always‑stop control.
Kevin Wayner of Veil Engineering reviewed traffic counts, sight distance and an extended crash history (2017–2025). He told the commission he found two crashes in preliminary 2025 data and some sight‑distance deficiencies when cars were parked on Cedar, but the full set of MUTCD warrants (crash experience, sight distance and an 8‑hour volume warrant) were not met. “Based off of that evaluation, we do not recommend any changes to intersection control at this time,” Wayner said.
A resident, who asked for a 4‑way stop to improve school‑drop‑off safety, said the intersection sits close to Holy Angels School and that increased child presence (including new 3K/4K students) warranted stronger control. Captain Rolling (operations) reported limited pedestrian crossings during his field observations and said he did not see the level of activity that would justify an always‑stop control now. Michelle Spathe, principal of Holy Angels School, said the drop‑off/pick‑up area was a concern during nearby construction but is not the school’s busiest pickup area; staff suggested adding signage limiting confusion.
The commission agreed to install a MUTCD‑standard plaque reading that cross traffic does not stop on the existing stop signs to reduce driver confusion; staff said they will request the plaque from inventory or procure it and deploy targeted attention during peak times. The plaque can be installed administratively and does not require a formal motion. The commission emphasized continued monitoring and targeted enforcement at drop‑off and pick‑up times.
Why it matters: The intersection is adjacent to a school and a fire station; commissioners balanced the limited crash history and warrant results against neighborhood concerns and chose a low‑cost, quickly implementable sign to reduce driver confusion while staff monitor for future changes.
What’s next: Public Works will obtain and install the cross‑traffic plaque and coordinate increased enforcement and school outreach; the commission may revisit intersection control if conditions change.
