10-02-2017 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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STOP SIGN INSTALLATION The traffic control at an intersection is critical to the operation of both intersecting roadways. If incorrect traffic control is installed for the existing traffic conditions and topographic characteristics of the intersection, unduly delays and even unnecessary accidents could occur. The traveling public, especially persons not familiar with the area, typically drive based on instinct. Drivers subconsciously evaluate their surroundings to determine if a stop sign or yield sign should or shouldn’t be located on an intersection approach. It is very difficult to determine what the correct intersection control should be; however, the following factors should be evaluated when determining intersection control. Traffic Conditions: The traffic conditions of an intersection include: • Traffic approach volume • Speed of traffic approaching the intersection • Number of turning vehicles in an intersection • Vehicle makeup (i.e. trucks, buses, etc.) • Crash history in the intersection Topographic Conditions: The topographic conditions of the intersections are the physical features in the area, including: • The grade of each approaching roadway • Location and size of adjacent buildings or structures • Angle of the intersection • Geometrics (number of lanes) of the intersection • If a school, park or major pedestrian generator is located in the area Based on these conditions and factors, potential intersection control should be evaluated and determined. Several techniques have been developed to determine what type of intersection control is warranted at a specific location. Policies for two-way and all-way stop sign installation are discussed below. Intersection Control Policies: When developing policies for two-way and all-way stop sign controlled intersections, the traffic conditions and topographic conditions can be used quite readily in the analysis procedure. Additional, non-technical factors may also be considered during the analysis procedure. Therefore, engineering judgment should be utilized when evaluating the appropriate intersection control. Analysis Procedure: The best procedure in evaluating the need and location of two-way or all-way stop sign control can be found in the Minnesota Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MnMUTCD), Section 2B-5 and 2B-7. Based on those warrants, the following two-way and all-way stop sign installation procedures should be followed: