23 - Downtown Stop Sign Study - Laserfiche WebLink

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two-way traffic. The one-way pair system was devised nearly 80 years ago to help move traffic through the downtown square as the community developed and expanded over time. Priority was given to the most efficient and safe way to move vehicular traffic through the area with an emphasis on improving the level of service along the State Trunk Highway System (Business 82 and Business 271). This was also around the time the loop system around the city was being planned and constructed to accommodate growth and relieve traffic pressures through the downtown area. The adopted Toole Design Downtown plan by the City recommended that stop signs be installed to replace the traffic signals along the one-way pair system. At that time, TxDOT officials expressed concern over the anticipated drop in levels of service for these areas resulting in traffic backups (from eliminating the `platooning' effects at intersections where lights currently are timed and sequenced) by permanently replacing lights with stop signs. This was a big part of the community input and participation by the public with the consultant and hence the recommended implementation action step in the downtown plan. As a result of these concerns, the idea was conceived to temporarily replace the 4 traffic control signals around the square with stop signs as a trial. TxDOT informed staff that it would have to be for a minimum period of 90 days, the traffic signals would be switched to blink red, and stop signs would have to be placed on both sides of the streets thereby doubling the number of signs required. From there a joint work -session with the City Council, Main Street Advisory Board and Traffic Commission was held to discuss the plan on 10/5/21 (please see attached staff memo dated 10/5/21). From there the plan map was prepared and the City Council approved the implementation of the temporary study at its 10/25/21 regular meeting. Item #3 — Public Awarenessm CampaiL The city staff worked with the Texas A & M Commerce Public Relations 2021 Fall Class, led by Professor Tim Carroll, to develop a plan for public outreach. The class provided several ideas that were utilized: • Develop a slogan, "Stop, Look and Be Safe" was adopted. • Reach out to area school administration to inform the students, bus drivers and teachers. • Chamber of Commerce developed a flyer in partnership with TxDOT, Main Street and City of Paris that was placed inside store fronts, and used on social media. • Chamber of Commerce sent out information to all their membership. • Two weeks in advance of the study, electronic informational traffic signs were set between 8t' and 6t' SE as well as on S. Main near Bywaters Park with anticipated dates of the study. • Several press releases were sent before the study and one after the study. • A city of Paris webpage was created, dedicated to the study. • Facebook posts were created. • Radio interviews were conducted. Page 2 of 5