Three Public Works Department Intersection Recommendations Shot Down

Burlington Officials shot down three recommendations by the Public Works Department to alter traffic flow at various intersections at Monday night’s City Council Meeting.

The first recommendation was to disable traffic signals and install stop signs at the intersection of Sixth street and Jefferson, turning it into a two-way stop. This was met with opposition from Downtown Partners Director Steve Frevert, who argued that removing the traffic signals at the busy downtown intersection would be unsafe for pedestrians downtown.

“Every party I’ve talked to is not in favor of turning this into a two way stop,” Frevert said, “There are a number of reasons for that. We’re seeing a lot of pedestrian traffic in this area. I’ve talked to the owner of Curly Inn [Spa], she said that they already have people who almost get hit by traffic, even with the traffic lights.”

The measure to make the intersection two way failed by unanimous “no” vote.

Also shot down were proposals to put a stop sign at Cherry and Bock Streets, and to take down the traffic lights at Central and Valley and replace them with stop signs.

However, a no right turn on red rule will take effect at the corner of Washington and Central. That was the one traffic-related resolution that passed during Monday’s City Council Meeting.