17 - Downtown Square Short-Term Traffic Stop Plan Project

Home Browse Search

• Vehicular safety in all directions by requiring 1 at a time vehicle stopping with a stop sign instead of traffic signals • Traffic accident reduction by requiring vehicles to stop and go slower vs. flying through off -set intersection with a green light (please see attached vehicle accident incident summary from Paris Police Department) • Improved pedestrian flows by shorter crosswalk movements with bump outs and requiring vehicles to yield to pedestrians once they enter the crosswalks • Allow vehicles with slower stop and go movements to look and appreciate the downtown experience and time to better observe downtown businesses Specific Objectives The specific objectives of this short-term project study implementation strategy are as follows: 1. Conduct a one-month short-term stop trial at all four square intersections by switching all four traffic control signals to blink red and by adding 2 new temporary stop signs at all four intersections. 2. Study the impacts on traffic movement changes, including impacts on alternate streets given the fact that traffic normally passing through the square may find alternate routes on the City street system. 3. Monitoring traffic counts for up to a 90 -day period before, during and after count statistics. 4. Speed monitoring through the short-term trial period in selected locations. 5. Visual monitoring of pedestrian movements and safety of interaction between pedestrian 90 Pro'ect Implementation & Assessment The collaborative partners will work together to install the appropriate equipment and provide a primary point of contact for questions, positive comments and concerns during the short- term project period. The anticipated trial study period, subject to City Council and TX DOT approval, will start in the middle of November and run through Christmas Eve (shopping season). During this period TX DOT and City Staff will work to complete the technical analysis and provide the appropriate traffic control devices according to TX DOT Roadway Technical Specification for their Trunk Highway System. The anticipated schedule for moving this trial study forward is as follows: October 5, 2021 Joint Work Session City Council, Traffic Commission, Main Street Advisory Board and recommendation by Traffic Commission to City Council October 12, 2021 Main Street Advisory Board recommendation to City Council October 25, 2021 City Council final approval to work with TX DOT to implement short- term implementation strategy project for creating stop signs & blinking red lights on square November 15, 2021 Begin short-term stop project on downtown square Thru December 24, 2021 Page 13