Woodbury Stop Sign Situation Spurs Study

The stop signs at the top of a hill along Valley Creek Road will remain in place… for now, at least.

The Woodbury City Council on Wednesday informally agreed to move forward with a study of traffic flow in the area surrounding the stop signs, which are located between Woodbury Drive and Settlers Ridge Parkway and have often been questioned by residents.

The study could cost $50,000 to complete, said Public Works Director David Jessup.

Councilwoman Amy Scoggins previously brought the topic to the city’s attention. She said it makes sense to get expert analysis of the area before deciding on the stop signs.

“I like the idea,” she said.

Some background on the stop signs from the council agenda:

Cottage Grove Drive was disconnected from Valley Creek Road in 2006, concurrent with the connection of northbound and southbound Settlers Ridge Parkway to Valley Creek Road. At that time, it was decided to maintain the eastbound and westbound stop signs on Valley Creek Road at the old Cottage Grove Drive intersection. This decision was based upon resident concerns over the existing stop sign removal and the pending 2008 reconstruction of Valley Creek Road in this area. Due to the subsequent housing slowdown and pending design options, Valley Creek Road reconstruction from Woodcrest Drive east to Settlers Ridge Parkway has been delayed indefinitely. There has, however, been a significant increase in traffic on this section of Valley Creek Road.

Norbert Huber lives near the stop signs and encouraged the city to study the area. He said removing the signs would be dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as residents who live along the hill.

“It’s our general safety that’s at risk,” Huber said.

Bobbie Plautz, who lives south of the stop signs where the road was cut off, said she and her husband have been unable to sell some of their property “because of your road.”

She was also previously assessed for curb and gutter work there and wanted to be sure she wouldn’t be charged again should the road be reopened in the future.

Meanwhile, Russ Nyquist spoke in favor of removing the stop signs. He quoted federal stop sign guidelines that say there are no provisions for having them without an intersection.

“You are supposed to be in compliance with federal standards,” Nyquist told the council, adding that other signage at the spot would be more appropriate.

Still, council members appeared to favor a study, and the city will likely revisit the matter next fall.

"We need a plan," Councilman Paul Rebholz said.

Updated: Are These Woodbury Stop Signs Really Necessary?

Woodbury to Discuss Need for ‘Inconvenient’ Valley Creek Road Stop Signs

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