HomeMy WebLinkAboutOB 1 SIGNAL WARR STDY 12-3-84AGE OLD BUS[NESS
NO. 1
NDA
DATE NOVEMBER 28, 1984
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
WILLIAM HUSTON, CITY MANAGER
BOB LEDENDECKER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
TRAFFIC SIGNAL/STOP SIGN WARRANT STUDY FOR MCFADDEN AND MYRTLE AVENUES
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive and file. No other action required.
BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 1984, the City Council requested staff to complete a warrant study
for either a traffic signal installation or a four-way stop installation at the
intersection of McFadden and Myrtle Avenues.
DISCUSSION:
The attached warrant studies have been completed by the city's Traffic Engineer
Consultant and are self-explanatory with respect to each study.
As indicated in these studies, none of the warrants for either signalization or a
four-way stop sign installation were met for the subject intersection.
Bob Ledendecker
Director of Public Works/City Engineer
BL:jr
Attachment
Inter-Corn
DATE:
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
FROH:
S UBJ ECT:
BOB LEDENDECKER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER
JIM KAWAMURA, CONSULTING TRAFFIC ENGINEER
TRAEFIC SIGNAL & STOP SIGN WARRANTS FOR THE INTERSECTION OF
MCFADDEN STREET/MYRTLE AVENUE
Per your directive, studies were conducted to determine: 1) whether or not a
traffic signal was warranted for the subject intersection; and 2) whethere or not
stop signs were warranted on McFadden Street at the subject intersection.
Traffic counters were placed at the subject intersection for a 24-hour period
commencing at 8:00 a.m. on November 14, 1984. (See attached machine count
summaries). Intersection accident data for the past 3 1/2 years were compiled in
the form of collision diagrams. (See attached). This data was utilized along
with the traffic counts, field measurements, and observations to determine whether
necessary warrants were me% for signalization or stop signs.
Signalization
The standard traffic engineering practice in determining whether or not a
particular intersection should be signalized is to follow the warrants criteria
established by CalTrans in Chapter 9, "Traffic Signal and Lighting", of the State
Traffic Manual. (See attached excerpts.)
Utilizing the collected data the warrant sheets provided in the Traffic Manual
were filled in. (See attached "traffic signal warrants".)
As indicated, none of the warrants for signalization of the subject intersection
are met..Traffic would have to increase substantially in order.to justify
signalization. In fact, the volume of traffic on Myrtle Avenue would have to more
than double to meet even one warrant (i.e., the "interruption of continuous
traffic" warrant). It should be noted that this is highly unlikely given the
nature and build out of the residential development along Myrtle Avenue.
It should be further noted that satisfaction of a warrant is not necessarily
justification for signalization. Excessive delay,, congestion, safety problems,
and other factors must be established as well.
Stop Signs
The policy and criteria for the installation of stop signs are established by
CalTrans in Chapter 4, Section 4-03.3 of the Traffic Manual. (See attached
excerpt).
TRAFFIC SIGNAL & STOP SIGN WARRANTS FOR THE INTERSECTION OF
MCFADDEN STREET/MYRTLE AVENUE
NOVEMBER 27, 1984
PAGE 2
None of the conditions warranting a four-way stop are met at the subject
intersection: a) a four-way stop would not serve as an interim measure for
signalization since traffic signals are not warranted; b) there have not been
five or more accidents during a 12-month period which could have been prevented if
a four-way stop were in place; c) minimum volumes of 140 vehicles or pedestrians
per hour for eight hours on the minor street (Myrtle Avenue) are not. met; and, d)
traffic volumes on the approach legs are not approximately equal.
Since the proportion of vehicles on McFadden Street verses Myrtle Avenue is more
than fifty to one during certain hours, the placement of stop signs on McFadden
Street at Myrtle Avenue would cause severe delay and congestion not to mention
constant violations by impatient drivers.
Conclusions
The subject intersection does not meet warrants for signalization or for stop
signs on McFadden Street.' The subject intersection has adequate visibility and
lighting, and the minor delays and accidents experienced at the subject
intersection are not any worse (or better) than other similar intersections in the
city.
As a mitigating measure to the problems encountered by Myrtle Avenue residents,
enforcement of speed limits on McFadden Street could make access to and from
Myrtle Avenue less troublesome and perhaps safer. Improved coordination of the
'existing signals along McFadden Street may also help. The latter measure will be
investigated further, and if deemed appropriate, implemented in the field.
JimlKawamura
Consulting Traffic Engineer
JK:jr
FORM TC-g
TRAFFIC COUNTING MANUAl
MACHINE COUNT .~D[ BY ..... DAli J-L"i-§':~-~.
CHECKED BY ..... DATE .........
~,UMMARY
TYP OF COUNT~ ~ DIRECTIONAL J ] Z-WAY
DATE
BEGUN
DIRECTION;
DATE
DAY',
~_2 -
2-3
3-4
'"
2-3
5-6 ~ ~
M.
~-]o
TOTAL
AoM¸
FORM TC-9
TRAFFIC COUNTING MANUAL
MACHINE COUNT MA0[ BY ..... D~,T[ _~_{_~l_5'_:.~_~l~_
~,~ECKED BY ..... DATE
SUMMARY
CONDUCTED ONt.- ~C~~ ~/O ~Y~T~- ~(~
~ DIRECTIONAL ~ Z-WAY DATE BEGUN ~[~ [~
TYPE 131' [,UUm~; ~ ~" .............
DIRECTION '--~~
DAY,
12-1
i-2
2-3
3-4
5'-6 r~l ,A.~
7-8
8-9 ,
9-1o,
lO-q] -~7~ 707~
s-~ ~74
~-~ 7~0
5-6 ~lO P.~
M.
7-e 41,/.
e-9 274
9-~o
11-12 f~.~
TOTAl-
A.M
P.
fORM TC-9
ERAFEIc COUNTING MANUAL
A.M
MACHINE COUNT
SUMMARY
/~(o
CHECKED BY ..... DATE
1 Yl"iff.. UI' ~..uum
DIRECTION
-DAte I I-- {4--0-~
~2-~
2-3
3-4
4-5
2-3
4-5
7
TOTAL
CONDUCTED ON*" ~/'~'~"~"{'~----~-
[~ DIRECTIONAL
FORM TC-9
TRAFFIC COUNTING MANUAL
SUMMARY
~HECKED BY ..... DATE .........
CONDUCTED ON: /,,/t,~'~'['-~.~, ....~/~ ~v~c,i~_-,~j,....)
TYPE OF COUNT: ~ DIRECTIONAL [--] ?-wAY DATE BEGUN
D,RECT,O.;
DAY,
2-3 O.
3-4 '2~
4-s
3-4 Z~. _
4-~
~-9
9-10
1~!1
TOTAL
~LLISION DIAGR3~{
iTY OF TUSTIN
LEGEND-SYMBOLS
Moving Vehicle ~
Backing Vehicle ~
Out of Control ~
Parked Vehicle__ ~
Pedestrian ---~
Fixed ~bject ~
No~-In3ury
In3ury O~
Fata~
DaYlxght t~
LOCATION:
ACCIDENT SL~dMARY
TYPE DAY NIGHT TOTAL
Fatal Inj. P.D. Fatal lInj':'~.D. Fatal' Inj.] P.D.
Right Angle ... _._
Rear End --.
Left Turn :,
Sideswipe _
.Pedes.tria~
Other
COLLISION DIAG PJ~
ITY OF TUSTIN
LEGEND-SYMBOLS.
Moving Vehicle
Hacking vehicle
Out of Control
Parke~ Vehicle---~
Pedestrian
Fixed Object
og-xnjury
In]ury
Fatal
Daylight
ACCIDENT SUMMARY
TYPE DAY NIGHT TOTAL
Fatal Inj.! P.D'. Fatal In)'. P.D. Fatal'iInj. P.D.
--Right An~le
Rear End
Left Turn
F Side swi~e
Pedestriaq ....
Other
C~LLI$ION DIAGRAM
_.TY OF TUST~N
LEGEND-SYMBOLS
Moving Vehicle ~
Backing Vehicle ~
Out of Control ~
Parked Vehicle ~
Pedestrian ---~
Fixed Object i
No~-Injury O~
In]ury
Fatal ·
Daylight~rk C~_
I
ACCIDENT SUMMARY
TYPE DAY NIGHT TOTAL
Fatal Inj. P.D. Fatal Inj. P.D. Fatal Inj.! P.D.
--Right Angle
Rear End
Left Turn
Sideswipe --
Pedestrian
Other
~ITY OF TUSTIN
LEGEND-SYMBOLS
Moving Vehicle
Backing vehicle
Out of Control
Parked Vehicle
Pedestrian
Fixed Object
Non.-Injury
Daylight
LOCATION: ~¢F~DDE~ ~ /VYR:4E.
'3
/-,'~'- ?/- c. ...
R
ACCIDENT SUMMA Y
TYPE DAY NIGHT TOTAL
Fatnl Inj. P.D. Fatal Inj. P.D. Fatal Inj. P.D.
-- Right'Angle -
Rear End ..
Lc'it Turn
Sideswipe
Pedestrian -
Other
Traffic Manual TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND LIGHTING 9-1
12-19/9
CHAPTER 9
TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND LIGHTING
Traffic Signals-Basic Information and Warrants 9-01
9-01.1 Introduction
Traffic signals are electrically powered' traffic con-
trol devices which alternately direct traffic to stop
and proceed at highway and street intersections.
Their purpose is the orderly assignment of right of
way to the various traffic movements.
When justified and properly designed, a traffic sig-
nM installation may achieve one or more of the fol-
lowing:
1. Reduce the frequency of certain types of acci-
dents; especially the right-angle type;
2. Effect orderly traffic movement;
3. By proper coordination, the continuous flow of
a platoon of traffic at a definite speed along a
given route;
4. Allow other vehicles and pedest~ans to cross a
heavy traffic stream; and
5. Control traffic more economically than by man-
ual methods.
Unjustified, ill-designed, improperly-operated, or
poorly maintained traffic signals may cause:
1. Increased accident frequency,
2. E~xcessive de{ay,
3. Disregard of signal indications, and
4. Circuitous travel by alternate routes.
Contrary to common belief, traffic signals do not
always increase safety and reduce delay. Experience
shows that the number of fight-angle collisions may
decrease after the installation of signals, but the num-
ber of rear-end collisions will increase in many in-.
stances. The instal}ation of signals may increase over-
all delay and reduce intersection capacity.
Consequently, it is of the utmost importance that the
consideration of a signal installation and the selection
of equipment be preceded by a thorough study of
traffic and roadway conditions made by an engineer
experienced and t-rained in this field. Equally impor-
tant is the need for checking the efficiency of a traffic
signal in operaHon. This determines the degree to
which the type of installation and the timing pro-
gram meets the requirements of traffic.
9-01.2 Warrants
The warrants for the installation of traffic signals
are based on those stated in the Manual on Uniform
Traffic Control Devices. These warrants apply to
both pre-timed and traffic-actuated traffic signals.
When the 85-percentile speed of major street traf-
fic exceeds 40 miles per hour, or when the intersec-
tion lies within the built-up area of an isolated eom-
munity having a population less than 10,000, the
location is considered rural. All other areas are con-
sidered urban. Since the installation of traffic signals
may increase certain types of collisions, the decision
to install signals should not be based solely upon war-
rants. Consideration should also be given to such fac-
tors as delay, congestion, approach conditions, driver
confusion and additional evidence of need for right
of way assignment above that which could be 'pro-
vided by stop signs.
The installation of traffic signals should be consid-
ered ff one or more of the warrants listed below are
met:
Warrant 1 - Minimum Vehicular Volume.
Warrant 2 - Interruption of Continuous Traffic.
Warrant 3 - Minimum Pedestrian Volume.
Warrant 4 - School Crossings.
Warrant 5 - Progressive Movement.
Warrant 6 - Accident Experience.
Warrant 7 - Systems.
Warrant 8 - Combination of Warrants.
9-01.3 Warrant I -/Y~inimum Vehicular Volume
The minimum vehicular volume warrant is intend-
ed for application where the volume of intersecting
traffic is the principal reason for consideration of sig-
nal installation. The warrant is satisfied when for
each of any 8 hours of an average day the traffic
volumes given in the table below exist on the major
street and on the higher-volume minor street ap-
proach to the intersection.
Number of lanes for
moving traffic on
each approach
Major Street
2 or more --
Vehicles per Vehicles per
hour on major hour on higher-
street (total volume minor-
of both stre et approach
approaches) (one direction
only)
(Minimum Requirements)
Minor Street Urban Rural Urban Rural
I ....... 500 350 150
1 ....... 600 420 150 105
2 or more -- 600 420 200 140
2 or more -- 500 350 200 140
~-2 TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND LIGHTING Traffic Manual
12-197~
The major street and the minor street volumes are
for the same 8 hours. During those 8 hours the direc-
tion of higher volume on the minor street may be on
one approach during some hours and on the opposite
approach during other hours.
Left turn movements from the major street may
be included with minor street volumes if a separate
signal phase is to be provided for the left turn move-
ment. The left turn volume in the highest direction
may be added to the minor street volume on the
highest approach and the major street volume should
be reduced by this amount.
9-01.4 Warrant 2 - Interruption of Continuous Traffic
The interruption of continuous traffic warrant ap-
plies to operating conditions where the traffic vol-
ume on a major street is so heavy that traffic on a
minor intersecting street suffers excessive delay or.
hazard in entering or crossing the major street. The
warrant is satisfied when for each of any 8 hours of
an average day the traffic volumes given in the table
below exist on the major street and on the higher-
volume minor street approach to the intersection,
and the signal insta]lation will not seriously disrupt
progressive traffic flow.
Number of lanes for
moving traffic on
each approach
Major Street
Vehicles per Vehicles per ·
hour on major hour on higher-
street (total volume minor=
of both street approach
npproachea) (one direction
only)
(Minimum Requirements)
Minor Street Urban Rural Urban Rural
I ...... · ~ I ....... 750 525 75 53
2 or more -- 1 ....... 900 630 75 53
2 or more -- 2 or more -- 900 630 100 70
I ....... 2 or more -- 750 525 100 70
The major street and minOr street volumes are for
the same 8 hours. During'those 8 hours the direction
of higher vol-me on the minor street may be on one
approach during some hours and on the opposite
approach during other hours.
Left tufa movements from the major street may
be included with minor street volumes if a separate
signal phase is to be provided for left turn move-
ment. The left turn volume in the highest direction
may be added to the minor street volume on the
highest approach and the major street volume should
be reduced by this amount.
9-01.5 Warrant 3 - Minimum Pedestrian Volumo
The minimum pedestrian volume warrant is satis-
fied when for each of any 8 hours of an average day
the following traffic volumes exist:
1. On the major street 600-Urban, 4,qG-Rural or
more vehicles per hour enter the intersection
(total of both approaches): or 1,000-Urban, 700
-Rural or more vehicles per hour (total of both
approaches) enter the intersection on the ma-
jor street where there is a raised median island
four feet or more in width; and
2. During the same 8 hours as in paragraph 1.,
there are 150-Urban, 105-Rural or more pede-
strians per hour on the highest volume cross-
walk crossing the major street.
A signal installed under this warrant at an isolated
intersection should be of the traffic-actuated type
with push buttons for pedestrians crossing the main
street. If such a signal is installed at an intersection
within a signal system, it should be equipped and
operated to provide proper coordination.
Signals instal]e~ according to this warrant shall be
equipped with pedestrian indications conforming to
requirements set forth in other sections of this Man-
ual.
Signals may be installed at nonintersection loca-
tions (Mid-block) provided the requirements of this
warrant are met, and provided that the related cross-
walk is not closer than 150 feet to another established
crosswalk. Curbside parking should be prohibited for
a minimum of 100 feet in advance of and 20 feet
beyond the crosswalk. Phasing, coordination and in-
stallation must conform to standards set forth in this.
Manual. Special attention should be given to the sig-
nal head placement and the signs and markings used
at nonintersection locations to be sure drivers are
aware of this special application.
9-01.6 Warrant 4- School Crossings
See Ghapter 10.
9-01.7 Warrant 5- Progressive Movement
The progressive movement warrant is satisfied
when one of the fo]lowing is true:
1. On a one-way street or on a street which pre-
ponderantly has unidirectional traffic signifi-
cance, adjacent signals are so far apart that the
necessary degree of platooning and speed eon-
trol of vehicles would otherwise be lost or,
2. On a two-way street, where adjacent signals do
not provide the necessary degree of platooning
and speed control and the proposed and adja-
cent signals could constitute a progressive signal
system.
The installation of a signal according to this war-
rant should be based on the 85-percenlile speed un-
less an engineering study indicates that another
speed is more desirable.
The installation of a signal according to this war-
Traffic Manual TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND LIGHTING 9-3
12-1979
rant should not be considered where the resultant
signal spacing would be less than 1,000 feet.
9-01.8 Warrant 6-Accident Experience
The accident-experience warrant is satisfied
when:
1. Adequate trial of less restrictive remedies with
satisfactory observance and enforcement has
failed to reduce the accident frequency; and
2. Five or more reported accidents of types sus-
ceptible of correction by traffic signal control
have occurred within a lg-month period, each
accident involving personal,injury or property
damage to an apparent extent of $200 or more;
and
3. There exists a volume of vehicular and pedes-
trian tralYic not less than 80 percent o[r the re-
quirements specified in the minimum vehicular
-volume warrant, the interruption of continu-
ous traffic warrant, or the rnL,~rnum pedestrian
-volume warrant; and
4. The signal installation ~ not seriously disrupt-
progressive traffic flow.
9-01.9 Warrant 7- Systems Warrant
A traffic sign~! installation at some intersections
may be warranted to encourage concentration and
organization of traffic flow networks. The systems .
warrant is applicable when the common intersection
of two or more major routes has a total existing, or
iramediately projected, entering volume of at least
800 vehicles during the peak hour o£ a typical week-
day, or each of any five hours of a Saturday and/or
Sunday.
A major route as used in the above warrant has one
or more of the following characteristics:
1. It is part of the street or highway system that
· serves as the principal network for through tra~-
fie flow;
2. It connects areas of principal traffic generation;
3. It includes rural or suburban highways outside
of, entering Or traversing a city;
4. It has suri~ace street freeway or expressway
ramp terminals; ~
5. It appears as a major route on an official plan
such as a major street plan in an urban area
traffic and transportation study.
9-01.10 Warrant 8-Combination of Warrants
In exceptional cases, signals occasionally may be
justified where no single warrant is satisfied but
where any two of Warrants 1, 2 and 3 are satisfied to
the extent of SO percent or more of the stated numer-
ical values lror each of any 8 hours of an average day.
9-01.!1 Periodic Traffic Signal Studies
To maintain the desirable operation of existing
traffic signals, it is necessary to periodically conduct
engineering studies to ensure that the desired opera-
tion is realized. In particular, engineering studies
should determine whether the installation continues
to be justified and that the signal timing in use meets
the current traffic requirements.
9-4 TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND LIGHTING Traffic Manual
12-1979
Figure 9-1A
TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANTS
CALC DATE
CHK DATE
DIST CO RTE PM
Major St: 4/~/_" Critical Approach Speed
Minor St: ~ Critical Approach Speed
Critical speed of major street traffic--> 40 mph ............. I-I
In built up area of isolated community of < 10,000 pop. - ....... ~
RURAL (R)
URBAN (U)
mph
mph
WARRANT I - Minimum Vehicular Volume
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 100% SATISFIED Yes U No
{80% SHOWN IN SRACKEI'S) 80e/e SATISFIED Yes
~j~ Strut (400) (~0) (4~) 336)
Hig~st ~Y 1~ 105 ~
"NOTE: Heavier of left turn movement from Major Street included when L T-phasing i? proposed
WARRANT 2 -- Interruption of Continuous Traffic
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 100% SATISFIED Yes 1'3 No J~
U I R U I R 80~/~ SATISFIED Yes [] No r~
~j~ Strut (~0) (4~) (720) (504)
Minor Str.t' (60) (42) (00) (56) ~ ~7 Jg J~I ~7 ~ ~ ~
* NOTE: Heavier of left turn movement fro~ Major Street included when I_T-phasir.g Is proposed I--I
WARRANT 3 - Minimum' Pedestrian Volume 100°,( SATISFIED Yes [] No D
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS 80°~ SATISFIED Yes [] No I-~
(80% SHOWN IN BRACKETS)
u R / / / / / / /
Both Apprch~. NO Median 600 420
~lajor Street (4801 (336I
Raised 1000 700
Volume 4' Median (800) Is60)
Ped's On Highest Volume 150 105
X-Walk Xin~ Ma. joE Street (126 ~84)
IF MIDE~*,.OCK SIGNAL PROPOSED [:]
MIN.150NEQUiR[MENTFeet 1DISTANCE TO NEAREST ESTASL ISHED CRWLK'IN/E ft S/W ft Yes FULFILLEDD NO
WARRANT 4 - School Crossings
Not Applicable r-I
See School Crossings Warrant Sheet D
TS-IOA
Hour
Hour
Traffic Manual TRAFFIC SIGNALS AND LIGHTING 9-5
~, 12-1979
Figure 9:1B'
TRAFFIC SIGNAL WARRANTS
WARRANT 5 -- Progressive Movement
Satisfied Yes [] No ~
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS1 DISTANCE TO NEAREST SIGNAL FULFILLED
> 100Oft' [N /t//,,~,S /V//,~ ft, E /2.DO ft, W -~ ft YESE] NOJ~
ON ISOLATED ONE WAY ST, OR ST. WITH ONE WAY TRAFFIC SIGNIFICANCE ADJACENT SIGNALS
ON 2-WAY ST, WHERE ADJACENT SIGNALS DO NOT PROVIDE NECESSARY PLATOONING &
SPEED CONTROL. PROPOSED SI, GNALS COULD CONSTITUTE A PROGRESSIVE SIGNAL SYSTEM [--I ~J
WARRANT 6 - Accident Experience
Satisfied Yes n No ~
REQUIREMENT WARRANT ~' FULFILLED
ONE WARRANT WARRANT I -- MINIMUM VEHICULAR VOLUME
.o~ --=" ........ ~ESO .OB
WARRANT S - MINIMUM PEDESTRIAN VOLUME
SIGNAL WILL NOT SERIOUSLY DISRUPT PROGRESSIVE TRAFFIC FLOW
ADEQUATE TRIAL OF LESS RESTRICTIVE REMEDIES NAS FAILED TO REDUCE ACC. FREQ, [] []
ACC WITHIN A 12 NON. PERIO~ SUSCEPTIBLE OF CORR. ~ INYOLWNGINJURY OR~S~ODAMAG[
MINIMUM "EQUI"EMEN* NUMBE" OF ACCIDENTS
' NOTE: Left turn accidents can be included when LT-phasing is proposed
WARRANT 7 - Systems Warrant
Satisfied Yes [] No ~
MINIMUM VOLUME
REQUIREMENT ENTERING VOLUMES - ALL APPROACHES ~/ FULFILLED
DURING TYFICAL W[ KOAY PEAK HOUR
.. ~'-~0 vrH/xn
gO0 YEN/HR
CHARACTERISTICS OF MAJOR ROUTES ~R ST~MINORS1
PART OF HWYSYST[M $[RVINGAS PRINCIPLE NETWORKFOR THOUGH TFC
APPEARS AS M~R ROUTE ON AN OFFICIAL PLAN
ANY MAWR ROUTE CHARACTERISTICS MET. lOTH STS.
WARRANT 8 -- Combination of Warrants
(Used if no one warrant satisfied 100~) Satisfied Yes [] No ~
REQUIREMENT WARRANT ~/]FULFILLED
e0% 3 -- MINIMUM PEDESTRIAN ¥O~UME YES[] NO ~
The satisfaction of a warrant is not necessarily justification for signals. Delay,
congestion, confusion or other evidence of the need for right of way assignment
must be shown.
4-22 SIGNS TRAFFIC MANUAL
April 1975 I I
Doslgn, Policy and Location for Individual Signs
White on Red
30' octagon
10' Series C lenerl
(Also available in
24', 36' and 48' sizes)
Policy: The RI sign shall be used on public roads
where a stop is required. Stop signs shall be erected
on both the left and right side of one-way roadways
which are 30 feet or more in width. Stop signs shall
not be installed at signalized intersections.
Conditions warranting STOP signs are:
1. On the less important road at its intersection
with a main road where application of the nor-
mai right of way rule is unduly hazardous as
evidenced by accidents susceptible of correc-
tion by STOP signs.
g. On a county road or city street at its intersec-
tions with a state highway.
3. At the intersection of two main highways. The
highway traffic to be stopped depends on ap-
proach speeds, volumes, and turning move-
ments.
4. On a street entering a legally established
through highway or street.
5. On a minor street where the safe approach
speed to the intersection is less than l0 miles per
hour. '
A STOP sign is not a "cure-all" and is not a substi-
tute fo~ other traffic control devices. Many times the
need. for a STOP sign can be eliminated if the sight
distance is increased by removing obstructions.
The installation of STOP signs at locations where
they are unexpected or where approach speeds are
high should be avoided if possible because they may
increase accidents. However, ff there is no alterna-
tive to. a STOP sign, then an advance Code WI7
STOP AHEAD sign and appropriate pavement
markings should be placed in conjunction with it.
Publicity through the radio and press is highly de-
sirable when STOP signs are installed and especially
when it is necessary to change their location.
Any of the following conditions may warrant a
four-way stop sign installation:
1. Where traffic signals are warranted and the
need is urgent, the four-way stop is an interim
measure that can be installed quickly to control
traffic while arrangements are being made for
the signal installation.
g. An accident problem, as indicated by five or
more reported accidents of a type susceptible of
correction by a four-way stop installation in a
12-month period. Types of accidents susceptible
of correction include right angle and left turn
collisions.
3. Minimum volume warrant:
a. The total vehicular volume entering the in-
tersection from all approaches must average
at least 500 vehicles per hour for any eight
hours of an average day, and
b. The combined vehicular and pedestrian vol-
ume from the minor street or highway must
average at least 200 units per hour for the
same eight hours with an average delay to
minor street vehicular traffic of at least 30
seconds per vehicle during the maximum
hour.
e. When the &5-percentile approach speed of
the major street traffic exceeds 40 miles per
hour, the minimum vehicular volume war-
rant is 70 percent of the above requirements.
A four-way stop sign installation is a useful traffic
control measure when other available means of eon-
trol are not adequate. It should not be used unless the
volume of traffic on the intersecting roads is about
equal and is undesirable at low-volume intersections.
When STOP signs are placed on all entering legs
of an intersection, each STOP. sign may be supple-
mented by a separate plate mounted below it with
the message "3-WAY", "4-WAY', etc. The supple-
mental plateshall have white letters on a red back-
ground.
Location: Erect in the standard position on the
right or left at or near the eotranee to an intersection
or at any location necessary to control traffic within
an intersection.