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Consideration of request to amend the official stop sign map to include the installation of all-way stop control at the 72nd Street intersection with Maple Terrace following the conclusion of a 90-day trial
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE, RSP1
Department:
DPW-Engineering
A. Issue
The existing two-way stop configuration of 72nd Street & Maple Terrace violates driver expectancy, and poor visibility of an unofficial trailhead creates a potential safety situation to intersection users.
B. Background/Options
On July 19, 2023, staff requested consideration to amend the official stop sign map to include the installation of all-way stop control at the 72nd Street intersection with Maple Terrace. At the direction of the Transportation Affairs Committee, a 90-day trial of all-way stop control was initiated. The 90-day trial commenced in August with the installation of additional signs.
The 72nd Street & Maple Terrace intersection looks and feels like a three-leg T-intersection to approaching motorists. The south leg of the intersection (72nd Street) forms the “stem” of the T while the east and west legs (Maple Terrace) form the “top” of the T. The east and west legs of Maple Terrace are controlled by stop signs while the south leg of operates uncontrolled. This layout is unconventional to driver expectation - typically if the “top” of the T is controlled by stop signs the “stem” if the T is also controlled by stop signs. Motorists east and west on the Maple Terrace were observed to stop and then continue through the intersection with the expectation that traffic from the south on 72nd Street will also stop. This is not the case - traffic from the south does not stop and leads to horn blowing.
In response to these observations, staff had considered recommending the removal of all stop signs at the intersection and operating the intersection uncontrolled under normal right-of-way rules. However, upon further observation, the removal of stop signs is not recommended. There is an unofficial north/south trail that has been blazed on City right-of-way immediately north of the intersection, that is used by bicyclists and pedestrians. The trailhead at 72nd Street & Maple Terrace is difficult to see if motorists on all legs of the intersection are not required to stop.
At the July meeting, the Transportation Affairs Committee asked staff to observe the trailhead. Staff used video traffic count equipment for the observations. The trail was observed to be primarily used by adults running and walking. Several students were observed entering and existing the trail around 8:25am and 3:35pm by foot or by bike. The heaviest trail use occurred on Saturday late morning and early afternoon. The intersection as a whole was observed to have a high volume of pedestrian use on Sunday mornings due to church services at Meadowbrook Church located east at 70th Street & Maple Terrace.
For the purpose of increasing the visibility and safety of the trailhead at 72nd Street & Maple Terrace, all-way stop control is warranted and recommended at the 72nd Street & Maple Terrace intersection.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety; Goal 2. Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
D. Fiscal Impact
No additional expenses. Stop signs are already posted from the 90-day trial.
E. Recommendation
Recommend the Common Council amend the official stop sign map to include the installation of all-way stop control at the 72nd Street intersection with Maple Terrace
Approximate Location of Recommended Stop Signs at 72nd Street & Maple Terrace
