All-Way Stop Signs on Collector/Arterial Roadways

Policy

The City installs all-way stop sign control at the intersection of certain collector or arterial roadways. The intersection must meet certain sign spacing and traffic volume requirements.

Stop signs must be approved by the City Council.

Rationale

Stop signs are perceived by the public as speed and traffic volume reduction devices that improve traffic safety. There is no documentation that stop signs do, in fact, lower speeds or traffic volume (other than very close to the stop sign). On the other hand, there is no conclusive evidence that they are unsafe. The exception may be where the traffic volume is high. All-way stop signs will not be allowed where the traffic exceeds 10,000 vehicles per day on the collector or arterial street. Signs may also be denied where the Public Works Director determines it is unsafe or unwise due to special characteristics such as accidents, sight distance or steep grades.

Stop signs should also be spaced in such a manner as to minimize inconvenience to the traveling public. Signs must be at a minimum quarter-mile spacing on collector streets and half-mile spacing on arterial streets.

For purposes of stop sign control, streets are classified as collector or arterial on the basis of average daily traffic volume. Collectors have an average daily traffic of approximately 1,000 to 5,000. Arterial streets have approximately 5,000 and 10,000 vehicles per day.

Procedure

The party requesting the all-way stop sign control should write or call the Public Works Director. The Director will determine if the intersection meets the criteria.

If the intersection meets the criteria, the Director will notify the City Council of the request. The City Council will decide if the signs should be installed