Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association

Stop Sign Rejected at 76th & Center

Mar 01, 1999

Following is the text of a letter I e-mailed to Comm. Charlie Hales after the Traffic Bureau rejected our request for a stop sign at 76th & Center:

chales@ci.portland.or.us (Charlie Hales)

Dear Commissioner Hales,

Please excuse the informality of an e-mail, but I am hoping it is the quickest way to reach you concerning this dangerous situation.

For over two years residents of the Foster-Powell Neighborhood have been asking the Office of Transportation to consider a four-way stop sign at SE 76th & Center, adjacent to Essex Park. They cite numerous accidents and an awful lot of near-misses as their reasons. I will quote below the full text of a letter from Scott Batson, an Associate Engineer, with the City of Portland, Office of Transportation:

"RE: SE Center at 76th Avenue Four-way Stop Sign Request

"Dear Ms. Peek:

"This letter is in response to your request of December 3, 1998, for the review of the referenced intersection.

"There were two REPORTED collisions between 1994 and 1997 (most recent data available), of which ONLY ONE was correctable by installing additional stop signs. As a result of a site visit on February 11, 1999, it was determined there is adequate visibility at the intersection.

"The most recent data regarding traffic speed and volume is from 1995. The 85th percentile speed on SE Center Street was measured to be 25 mph with 805 vehicles in a 24-hour period. Upon review of the available traffic data and existing site conditions, your request for installation of a four way stop is denied.

"Please contact me if you have additional questions or would like to discuss the matter further. I can be reached at 823-5422.

"Sincerely,
"Scott Batson
"Associate Engineer"

The capital letter emphasis is mine. Only two reported wrecks are considered. Think of all the small wrecks that are never reported. All the near-misses and screeching brakes. Also, the site was visited in February, not at the height of the summer softball traffic and the time when the park has high usage. Even one wreck is too many when it can admittedly be corrected by a simple stop sign. Can you bring any resources to our aid as the Commissioner in charge of Traffic Management?

I appreciate your assistance.

Cindy Peek
Co-Chair
Foster-Powell Neighborhood Association
775-3006 (home)
778-5250 (work)
775-6540 (fax)

cc: Goran Sparrman, Director, Traffic Management (via facsimile 823-7576)
Scott Batson (via facsimile 823-7576)