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Belfast council approves three-way stop at Miller and High Street to calm traffic
Summary
The council voted 4–1 on Aug. 6 to amend the city code to add a three-way stop at Miller and High Street for traffic calming and pedestrian safety, following staff study and coordination with public works and police. Council discussed additional low-cost pedestrian improvements.
The Belfast City Council voted 4–1 on Aug. 6 to adopt an amendment to the city code adding a three-way stop at the intersection of Miller and High Street.
City planner Alexandra Sykes presented the recommended ordinance language and said staff coordinated the proposal with public works, the police department and the Pedestrian Transportation & Accessibility Committee. "Incorporating this three-way stop sign would accomplish the goals of decreasing traffic speeds and encourage closer attention to pedestrian safety at that intersection," Sykes said, proposing two new stop signs to control traffic entering the downtown area.
Sykes told the council she performed a neighborhood survey of existing conditions and recommended visibility, enforcement of no-parking zones near the signs, and potential future enhancements such as curb extensions or temporary art installations to increase awareness. She said the city published a public hearing notice and sent notices to nearby businesses and residents; staff received one written comment.
During discussion, councilors praised the thorough presentation and suggested low-cost short-term measures such as improved signage, painted crosswalks and curb treatments. Councilor Mary (surname not specified in the transcript) said the change would provide a visual cue where drivers accelerate into the downtown area. The police department and public works expressed no objection to adding the stop signs but recommended attention to sign placement and visibility.
A public hearing drew no speakers. The council moved to waive a required second reading and adopt the ordinance on first reading; the motion passed 4–1. Councilors said the change is intended to reduce vehicle speeds through a transition zone into the commercial core and that staff will monitor the intersection and consider further pedestrian improvements.
Next steps: the ordinance amendment was adopted at the meeting and staff will follow up on implementation details (exact sign placement, visibility enhancements and enforcement) and coordinate further work with the Pedestrian Transportation & Accessibility Committee.
