Livingston leaders narrowly approved a new all-way stop at a downtown intersection Monday following concerns the change could create traffic congestion on the square.
Mayor Lori Burnett said T-DOT recommended the all-way stop for the intersection of North Court Square and North Spring Street to address a history of accidents. Burnett said the state suggested the trial to determine if it improves safety for both motorists and pedestrians in the area.
“My theory was, if you guys choose to pass it, we try it, and if it does those things, then we might need to look at a plan B,” Burnett said. “I know it would be a lot of changes, and people, we put that stop sign up, people are gonna take a while to get adjusted to it.”
Some discussion centered on the need for a traffic light. Alderman Bill Linder said he worried the stop signs would cause vehicles to back up toward the existing traffic light. Linder said the increased congestion might make the intersection more difficult to navigate than it is currently.
“I have pushed for this for four-plus years, but the more I think about it, I think from the corner there back to the red light going east, I can see traffic backing up, and it’d be more congested than we even could think about,” Linder said. “I really just believe that it’s gonna be worse off because you got people coming up from Church Street turning right on red, and if nothing’s coming, plus people coming from South Church Street, I really don’t see where it’s gonna help.”
Alderman David Langford said he initially supported the proposal but changed his mind after considering how the flow of traffic would be impacted when the nearby light turns green. Langford said he does not believe drivers will be able to clear the all-way stop quickly enough to prevent a traffic jam on the square.
“I originally voted yes on this, but I’m like Bill,” Langford said. “After thinking about it, I don’t believe people can come to a complete stop and take off by the time that everybody gathers up on the square by the light being green. I just think it’s gonna be a mess.”
The board approved the second reading of the ordinance in a 3-2 vote, with Langford and Linder voting against the measure. Burnett said the city will now proceed with ordering the necessary signage to implement the new traffic pattern.
In other business, the board approved a second reading of an ordinance to prohibit through truck traffic on Rickman Road to address noise complaints from residents.
Leaders also authorized a resolution to apply for a $100,000 state tourism enhancement grant with a 10 percent local match to upgrade audiovisual equipment at Central Park.