GILROY
–
”
Creeping
”
past the limit line on Eigleberry and Second streets to see
around parked cars may soon be a thing of the past
– the City Council approved new four-way stop signs there
Monday.
GILROY – “Creeping” past the limit line on Eigleberry and Second streets to see around parked cars may soon be a thing of the past – the City Council approved new four-way stop signs there Monday.
Engineers recommended the city add four-way stop signs at the intersection after noting that angled parking obstructs the visibility of northbound drivers on Eigleberry, causing them to feel vulnerable as they tentatively creep out to see around it.
However, city engineers have issued recommendations against two more four-way stops at other locations located in the Northwest Quad.
In letters to the Council, engineers said all-way stop signs are not warranted at the intersection of Calle Del Rey and Pheasant Drive and the intersection of Bay Tree Drive and Lions Creek Drive.
Engineering studies found no obstructions to limit visibility of passing vehicles at either intersection. Both also saw use by under 700 estimated vehicles a day – less than the minimum traffic volume recommended to warrant new signs.
And neither had a rash of recent accidents, at least reported ones. There was one reported collision at Bay Tree and Lions Creek in 2002 due to a stop-sign violation, but none were reported at Calle Del Rey. According to the city, stop signs are warranted when five or more correctable accidents occur within a year’s time.
Because arterial Calle del Rey is along a primary emergency response route, the Gilroy Fire Department did not support an all-way stop there because it would affect response times.
Average speeds in a survey did climb up 10 mph above posted 25 mph limits on both Calle del Rey and Lions Creek, but engineers recommended more police patrol and use of the department’s speed-awareness/radar trailer. The city also installed two speed-limit signs at the Lions Creek intersection to increase awareness.
