Residents of Browndale neighborhood, your cries for better traffic control have been heard. According to an update from the City of St. Louis Park, a fresh traffic control model is rolling out this fall. The new system will implement a "basket weave stop sign pattern" at most intersections, which translates to a stop sign every two blocks, alternating between north-south and east-west streets.
During the 2024 pavement management project's engagement process, community members voiced their need for additional stop sign controls, as per information obtained by the City of St. Louis Park. The disarray of controlled and uncontrolled intersections was not only confusing for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike, but it was also a contributor to low compliance with traffic laws. And by low, we’re talking an average of 22% of drivers obeying those stop signs.
As per the new program set by the city, this basket weave pattern should iron out these kinks. We're talking about increasing predictability on the road, hopefully pushing those compliance numbers up. Jack Sullivan, an Engineering project manager with the City of St. Louis Park, says this new model aims to "reduce unnecessary vehicle stopping, noise and carbon emissions."
For more details on when the traffic control changes will go into effect, you can check out the announcement from the city here.
