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Consideration of request from the Engineering Division to replace yield control with stop control on the Blanchard Street eastbound approach to 70th Street
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Submitted by:
Michael May, PE, PTOE, RSP1
Department:
DPW - Engineering Division
A. Issue
Visual obstructions may block lines of sight and may not allow a road user to yield or stop in compliance with the normal right-of-way rule.
B. Background/Options
The City has adopted a policy that follows national standards related to the installation of yield and stop signs. The policy allows residents to request consideration for stop signs when they believe a condition, as described in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), has been met. Staff received a request to determine if stop control is appropriate at the Blanchard Street eastbound approach to 70th Street and analyzed if such traffic control is warranted.
The warrants for two-way stop control are outlined below.
• A restricted view exists that requires road users to stop in order to adequately observe conflicting traffic on the through street or highway. The location of a structure in the northeast corner blocks adequate lines of sight, and the odd configuration of the intersection with vertical and horizontal curvature requires users to stop in order to adequately observe conflicting traffic. This warrant is met.
• Crash records at a four-leg intersection indicate that there were three or more reported crashes in a 12-month period, or six or more reported crashes in a 36-month period, susceptible to correction by installation of minor-road stop control. Based on an analysis of intersection crashes for the three-year period of January 1, 2023 through December 31, 2025, three crashes were reported - all involving southbound motorists and slippery roads. None of the crashes are susceptible to correction by installation of minor-rod stop control. This warrant is not met.
• The intersection is of a lower functional classification road with a higher functional classification road. Both Blanchard Street and 70th Street are functionally classified as local streets. This warrant is not met.
Two-way stop control is warranted and necessary for motorists to properly see conflicting traffic. Therefore, staff recommends installing stop control on the Blanchard Street eastbound approach to 70th Street.
C. Strategic Plan (Area of Focus)
Priority 2: Public Safety, Goal 2. Proactively address pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular safety.
D. Fiscal Impact
Minor expenses for the in-house creation and installation of signs. The existing sign budget will
accommodate these expenses.
E. Recommendation
Direct staff to prepare a resolution to replace yield control with stop control on the Blanchard Street eastbound approach to 70th Street.
Approximate Location of Recommended Stop Control
70th Street & Blanchard Street
