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.
Previous Coverage
Updated: Are These Woodbury Stop Signs Really Necessary?
Woodbury to Discuss Need for ‘Inconvenient’ Valley Creek Road Stop Signs
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We also need to understand the federal manual for street signage. Its called the Manual for Uniform Traffic Control Devices and is published by the Federal Highway Administration. It is available on line at: www.mutcd.fhwa.gov/index.html Federal law states that all traffic control devices on all streets, highways, bikepaths and private roads open to public travel in each state shall be in substanstial conformance with the standards issued by the Federal Highway Administration. Reading through the manual a few items pop out at me: Section 2B-5: Yield or Stop signs should not be used for speed control. Section 2B-7: Stop or Yield signs should not be placed further than 50 feet from the edge of the pavement of the intersected roadway. Section 2B-10: The Stop or Yield sign shall be located as close as practical to the intersection it regulates. Section 2B-08: 08 A YIELD or STOP sign should not be installed on the higher volume roadway unless justified by an engineering study.
Section 2A-03 Each standard sign shall be displayed only for the purpose as prescribed in this manual. Determination of the particular signs to be applied to a specific condition shall be made in accordance with the provisions set forth in the manual. Before any new highway, private road open to public travel, detour, temporary route is opened to public travel, all necessary signs shall be in place. Signs required by road conditions or restrictions shall be removed when those conditions cease to exist or the restrictions are withdrawn.
Back when I was a kid we had a lot of fun flying over the hill it was fun and even better when they black top the road How ever after I built a home up there off the folks farm and the school busses stopped there I agreed with a couple of folks that a store sign would be prudent I spoke to many of the folks along cottage grove drive ( all 8 or so) and they all agreed Fast forward to today just a few changes and another 40-60000 people they don't like the sign. I get that The city engineer didn't want the sign in the first place but the city council in there wisdom saw the necessity because of safety and granted the permission. Thank you Now cottage grove drive is cut off and they don't need a sign Oh wait The city was going to lowers Valley Creek rd They haven't done that yet So I say lets wait till the road has been re-constructed and then visibility will improve Then the sign should come down and only then
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I guess we'll just have to wait for the study typically when roads are updated to 4 lanes - existing driveway access is reduced to a right in - right out - I expect that would be the same situation for everyone along Valley Creek as it is improved But calm down JR - I don't think it will be another 10 years