Numerous uncontrolled intersections in Manitowoc’s southeast side will soon have stop signs.
The common council unanimously approved three ordinances to add stop signs to 30 intersections, including two intersections on S. 11th Street, two on S. 13th Street, one on S. 15th Street, and two on S. 17th Street.
Other streets that will see new regulated intersections are Columbus Street, Grand Avenue, Green Street, Madison Street, Manila Street, Philippen Street, and Wisconsin Avenue.
Four-way stops will be added on Park Street between North 5th, 6th, and 7th Streets.
Changes will also come to N. 5th Street, beginning at the north line of Maritime Drive, and to N. 7th Street, beginning at the south line of York Street, extending to Huron Street.
Mayor Justin Nickels explained to Seehafernews.com that the city has been looking at uncontrolled intersections for some time.
“When we’ve looked at certain neighborhoods and complaints, certain neighborhoods like the southeast side of the city were built a long time ago, older neighborhoods,” he explained. “They weren’t necessarily built with signage that coincided with the growth and the development of the area.”
City staff reviewed crash data and past complaints to determine where to place signs.
Council President Eric Sitkiewitz was not in favor of the proposals at first, saying they should be citywide and not just for a certain area.
“Seven of the other alders weren’t represented in the areas,” he noted. “So if we’re going to make sweeping changes, lets actually make sweeping changes and incorporate it throughout the entire city.”
But he joined the rest of the council in approving the changes, saying the ordinances can be updated later.
How soon the stop signs will be going up is not known.
