All‑way stop approved near Oak Meadows Elementary after staff documents large student crossings

The Murrieta Traffic Commission unanimously approved an all‑way stop at Poinsettia Street and Ntorium Lane on June 17 after staff presented pedestrian counts showing heavy school‑time crossings.

Consulting traffic engineer Brian Stevenson and senior civil engineer James Ozaf said counts collected near Oak Meadows Elementary School showed about 160 pedestrians crossing on the east crosswalk during the morning peak hour and 99 during the afternoon peak. Based on those pedestrian volumes and sight‑distance and operational considerations under the California MUTCD, staff recommended an all‑way stop with advance signage and pavement markings. Because the street has adequate lighting, staff recommended not to include LED flashing beacons at this location.

Stevenson noted recent ADA upgrades at the intersection as part of the city’s pedestrian ramp program. Commissioners asked whether installing a stop would affect the school's crossing guards; staff said they would confirm with the school principal and district representative that crossing guards will remain in place. A district representative had been included on prior emails, staff said, and would be contacted for confirmation.

Commission discussion included observations of increased enrollment and near misses in the neighborhood. After discussion, the commission voted to approve the recommendation. Commissioner Borchettz moved the motion and Commissioner Chavez seconded; the motion carried unanimously.

Staff said they would prepare the work order and coordinate with the school and district about crossing‑guard coverage; no installation schedule was specified in the meeting transcript.